Elina Svitolina kept her WTA Finals campaign alive with a remarkable comeback against Karolina Muchova, recovering from a difficult opening set to claim a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. The Ukrainian looked in serious trouble for long stretches of the match, but gradually turned the contest around to secure a crucial win in their round-robin encounter.
The 2018 WTA Finals champion struggled to find consistency early on, allowing Muchova to dictate proceedings and build a commanding advantage. Her movement also appeared to be an issue, with Svitolina requesting a medical timeout after dropping the first set. A physiotherapist worked on her right leg while she received treatment on court.
Muchova, meanwhile, initially looked comfortable in control of the match. The Czech had already secured the opening set and appeared well positioned to complete the job, particularly as Svitolina continued to make errors at important moments. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as the Ukrainian found a way to stay in the contest.
The result gives Svitolina a much-needed victory after her straight-set defeat to Mirra Andreeva in her opening match. With the group stage still underway, she has given herself another opportunity to fight for a place in the semifinals.
Svitolina turns the match around after difficult opening set
Muchova made the stronger start, breaking Svitolina twice to establish a 5-2 lead in the opening set. The Ukrainian struggled to protect her serve, committing errors and double faults that repeatedly handed the Czech opportunities to take control.
There was a brief opening for Svitolina when Muchova served for the set at 5-2. The Czech moved to 40-15 and had two set points, but a series of unforced errors allowed her opponent to break back. It was only a temporary reprieve, however, as Svitolina's own serve let her down again in the following game. Another double fault helped Muchova close out the set 6-3.
42 minute opening set ⏱️ @karomuchova7 takes the opening set over Svitolina, 6-3! #FAGEWTAFinals | #TheUltimateStage https://t.co/H1rU72xYjq
— wta (@WTA) November 11, 2026
Svitolina then requested medical attention, with a physiotherapist treating her right leg on court. Muchova held to open the second set, and the Ukrainian initially appeared to remain in difficulty. She nevertheless began to show more resistance, saving a break point to level at 2-2 before producing the breakthrough that changed the match.
Muchova looked set to consolidate her advantage in the fifth game, but a double fault and further errors brought Svitolina back into the game. The Ukrainian converted her opportunity to take a 3-2 lead and never looked back in the set.
She won five consecutive games, breaking Muchova again before serving out the set 6-2. What had looked like a straightforward route to victory for the Czech had suddenly become a deciding-set battle.
Second set is sorted 👊 @ElinaSvitolina forces a decider against Muchova, 6-2! #FAGEWTAFinals | #TheUltimateStage https://t.co/Blk8Y5yUTk
— wta (@WTA) November 11, 2026
The former champion completes the comeback
Svitolina carried that momentum into the third set, while Muchova continued to struggle with her first serve and maintain the consistency she had shown early in the match. Both players initially held, but the Ukrainian soon moved ahead with another break to establish a 2-1 lead.
Muchova managed to stay close at 3-2, but Svitolina remained firm on serve and extended her advantage. The Czech then saved two break points and appeared close to holding, only for the Ukrainian to keep applying pressure and eventually secure another break.
Leading 5-2, Svitolina had the opportunity to serve for the match. She completed the job without allowing Muchova back into contention, sealing the deciding set 6-2 and completing a comeback that had seemed unlikely during the opening stages.
After losing the first set and requiring medical attention, Svitolina had found the resilience to turn the match around. The victory keeps her hopes of reaching the WTA Finals semifinals alive, while Muchova is left needing a response in her remaining group-stage match.
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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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