Iga Swiatek beats Barbora Krejcikova in the first round of the WTA finals

Most tennis fans weren’t sure what to expect from Sunday’s WTA final match between Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova. Swiatek hasn’t played since the US Open and shook it up coaching staffand Krejcikova has won only five matches since then. Wimbledon title.

With little expectations other than an exciting match, both players did not disappoint. Swiatek won a thrilling three-set match to secure her first win of the group stage: 4–6, 7–5, 6–2.

Coming into today’s match, Krejcikova and Swiatek had split their previous four meetings. It took Swiatek a set and a half to shake off the rust. The WTA world number two trailed 3-0 in the second set before rallying again to force a deciding set.

Swiatek continued that momentum into the third set, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. However, Krejcikova would not leave so easily. She won two sets before ultimately losing the deciding set.

No. 2 seed Swiatek will face the winner of the next match between No. 3 seed Coco Gauff and No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula on Tuesday, November 5. Meanwhile, No. 8 seed Krejcikova will face the loser of that match later in the day.

Swiatek said after the match“It wasn’t easy. I felt rusty at first, but I’m glad I found a way to play more solidly. At first I didn’t feel very good. Barbora took advantage of this. The score quickly went in her favor. I knew it was tight, even in the first set, I had my chances and I just wanted to take them next time.”

Swiatek never stopped believing, and neither did her fans. “I can definitely hear it. I missed this. Today in my tough moments, when I heard you guys scream, it helped me. Thank you guys for your support and encouragement… Even though my performance wasn’t that good at the beginning, you guys still believed.”

With less than 24 hours left until the WTA Finals, the final picture is starting to take shape. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated. Submit to SI all the most important news from sports.