Glaring error spotted in Elena Rybakina v Iga Swiatek World Tennis League clash
Tennis NewsFriday, 22 December 2023 at 10:21
An unusual
situation unfolded during the match between Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek at
the World Tennis League Clash, an exhibition tournament taking place in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The tournament features mixed-gender teams of four
players: two men and two women on each team.
In the
match between the two Grand Slam champions, Rybakina started the match serving,
and then Swiatek served at 0-1. The peculiar moment occurred when, in the third
game, the Polish player repeated her serve, making the score 2-1. This odd
sequence repeated several times during the match, with both players taking
turns serving twice before alternating.
Tournament Format:
The
tournament format does not explicitly allow for this, and this unique situation
is the only occurrence thus far. The event is played on indoor hard courts,
featuring 16 players divided into four teams named Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and
Kites. Each day consists of a round-robin format, with teams facing off in
individual men's and women's matches, as well as an exciting mixed doubles
match.
Teams:
Eagles:
Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Mirra Andreeva, and Sofia Kenin
Falcons:
Taylor Fritz, Sumit Nagal, Elena Rybakina, and Sorana Cirstea
Hawks: Iga
Swiatek, Caroline García, Casper Ruud, and Hubert Hurkacz
Kites: Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa, Stefanos Tsitsipas,
and Grigor Dimitrov
Rybakina-Swiatek Rivalry:
The world
No. 1 and world No. 3 have been prominent figures on the WTA Tour over the past
two seasons, facing each other four times with the Kazakh leading the
head-to-head 3-1. Their first encounter was in the 2021 Ostrava Open
quarterfinals, where the Polish player (world No. 8) secured a victory with a
score of 7-6(5), 6-2 over Rybakina (world No. 17).
However,
that was the sole victory for Swiatek, as in their subsequent three meetings,
all in 2023, Rybakina emerged victorious. The 2022 Wimbledon champion caused a
major upset in the 2023 Australian Open by defeating the top seed and world No.
1 Swiatek in the round of 16 (6-4, 6-4). In the Indian Wells semifinals,
Rybakina was even more dominant with a 6-2, 6-2 win, ultimately claiming the
trophy.
Their last
encounter was in the quarterfinals of the Rome Open, but Swiatek retired in the
third set with the score at 6-2, 6-7(3), 2-2. Overcoming Swiatek once again
proved to be a catalyst for Rybakina, leading her to secure the title.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
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- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
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- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
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