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.
