Wimbledon winner Iga Swiatek failed in the preliminary round at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
The Polish tennis world number two lost in the decisive duel for advancement despite leading the set 7:6 (7:3), 4:6, 2:6 against the American Amanda Anisimova, who followed Kazakh Jelena Rybakina into the semi-finals in Group B.
Last year Swiatek did not make it past the preliminary round. In 2023, the 24-year-old won the year-end tournament for the best eight players of the season. Against Anisimova, whom she had humiliated 6-0, 6-0 at Wimbledon, Swiatek was particularly vulnerable on her own serve.
Anisimova, fourth in the world rankings, acted bravely in the return, but only took advantage of her break chances in the second and third sets. After 2:37 hours, the debutant converted her first match point.
Rybakina wins against her replacement
Rybakina had to adapt to a different opponent at short notice, but ultimately had hardly any problems with Ekaterina Alexandrova from Russia at 6:4, 6:4. Alexandrova was added to the field after her compatriot Madison Keys withdrew due to a viral illness. With her third win in the third match, Rybakina secured victory in the group.
Video: Highlights: Rybakina moves into the semi-finals
It is not yet clear who Rybakina and Anisimova will face in the semi-finals. In Group A, Aryna Sabalenka has the best chance of reaching first place; the Belarusian has won both of her games so far and will face French Open champion Coco Gauff (USA) on Thursday (not before 4:30 p.m./Sky). Before that, the American Jessica Pegula plays against the Italian Jasmine Paolini, who has already been eliminated.