Yesterday, the WTA Finals took a surprising turn. After a rather disappointing second half of the season, it looked like Iga Swiatek had almost made it to the semifinals in Riyadh. After all, she’d defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-0 to go into the top two in the Orange Group. But did you know the result didn’t really matter?

Swiatek’s fate was dependent on the match to follow: Coco Gauff (2-0) vs. Barbora Krejcikova (1-1). And the Pole’s reaction when she realized this was priceless. In the press conference after her win, a reporter asked, “Did you understand going in that that match would have no bearing on your advancement to the semifinals?” Confused, Swiatek asked, “You mean it didn’t matter?” When the reporter answered affirmative and explained it, the World No. 2 sulked and said, “Oh” and, with a distant smile, added, “Thanks.” 

The room may have burst into laughter, but Swiatek sure wouldn’t have been happy a couple of hours later. That was because Barbora Krejcikova stunned Coco Gauff (7-5, 6-4) to move ahead of the Pole in the Orange Group to enter the semifinals alongside the American. And Iga Swiatek was knocked out. Despite not making it to the semis, though, there is still something Swiatek can be pleased about.

Following her victory over Gauff, Krejcikova tweeted before the semifinals, “Q&As time. Hit me up with questions. I will answer them during lunch. 🤗” True to her word, the Czech did precisely that. A fan asked, “Favourite opponent to play versus on tour? Doesn’t matter if it’s a positive matchup for you or not.”

Krejcikova has been on the WTA Tour for a long time now and has played consistently at the top level. It may have started with her excelling at doubles, but when she started focusing on singles just as much, the results started coming. Her 2021 French Open title (in both singles and doubles) was proof of that. Since then, while she has had her ups and downs, the 28-year-old has often locked horns with the likes of Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. However, it’s Swiatek, whom Krejcikova considers her favorite opponent to play against.

Answering the fan, she wrote, “I like to play against Iga because she brings out the best in me, and I always know it’s gonna be a good match.” Interestingly, Krejcikova and Swiatek played their opening match at the WTA Finals against each other, which the Pole won in three sets (4-6, 7-5, 6-2). Overall, the two have played each other five times, with Swiatek leading the head-to-head 3-2. If you think about it, maybe Krejcikova enjoys playing against the World No. 2 because their playing styles are somewhat similar.

As opposed to Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff’s hard-hitting playing style, Krejcikova and Swiatek have more variety in their shots, occasionally bringing out slices and drop shots or even advancing to the net. Because they have similar shotmaking, it gives them the opportunity to test each other and put their skills to the test while trying to outplay each other. Maybe this is why three of their five encounters have been close three-setters.

As for her head-to-head against Coco Gauff, Krejcikova has a dominating record. They’ve played each other twice, and the Czech has won both, one of which was in Riyadh. With Sabalenka, it’s been a one-sided affair in favor of the Belarusian. Out of the seven matches they’ve gone up against each other, six have gone Sabalenka’s way.

Going into the final group stage match against Coco Guaff, Krejcikova knew it was a must-win for her. After losing to Iga Swiatek in her first match, the 28-year-old defeated Jessica Pegula in the second. If Krejcikova hadn’t defeated Gauff, Swiatek would’ve been joining the American in the semifinals, considering the Pole won two of three matches. But the Czech’s win ensured she finished the round-robin on top of the Orange Group.

There may have been a chance that Barbora Krejcikova would’ve had to face Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. But the World No. 1 finished on top of the Purple group, effectively meaning that they can only meet in the finals now. But who knows? Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng could crash their party.

That said, Barbora Krejcikova is relieved to have made it to the semifinals in Riyadh in what has been an up-and-down season for her. After defeating Gauff and entering the last 4 of the tournament, she reflected on her victory.

Barbora Krejcikova aims to cap off the season on a high

Despite winning the Wimbledon Championships, it has been a hit-and-miss season for Krejcikova. Wimbledon has remained her only title in 2024, as she has been inconsistent in other tournaments. As a result, she dropped out of the top 10 of the WTA rankings as well, but being a Grand Slam champion this season and being in the top 20 in the rankings, she was able to qualify for the WTA Finals. And now, with a solid performance in Riyadh, Krejcikova is aiming to end her season on a high.

Speaking after her emphatic win against Coco Gauff, Krejcikova revealed, “This year was really up and down, and definitely the Wimbledon victory is the highest point of my career so far. Being here, being able to qualify for the semis, and playing tomorrow, it’s something unimaginable before this tournament, so I’m really proud of myself and looking forward to the new challenges.”

Krejcikova will take on Qinwen Zheng in the semifinal later today. She has never won the WTA Finals trophy before, and this is already her best showing in this tournament. Can she dig deep and win the title in Riyadh? Let us know your views in the comments.