MATCH REPORT | 2023 WTA Finals SWIATEK cruises past GAUFF in full domination and secures spot to semifinals

Iga Swiatek had no trouble defeating Coco Gauff 6-0, 7-5, securing her spot in the semifinals of the 2023 WTA Finals Cancun.

The World No. 2 once again demonstrated her high confidence as she started the year's final tournament. She had previously defeated Marketa Vondrousova 7-6(3), 6-0 in her debut.

The Polish player won the final WTA 1000 event of the season at the China Open in early October, where she also defeated Gauff in the semifinals, extending her winning streak to eight consecutive matches on the tour. While Gauff showcased remarkable form in her opening match against Ons Jabeur, winning 6-0, 6-1, she came into the match with a poor 1-8 record against Swiatek.

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The first set was all about Swiatek, who secured three consecutive breaks and had no difficulty with her serve as she raced to a 6-0 victory in just 28 minutes. The recent US Open champion won only 25% of the points on her serve, along with 38% of the return points, committed 11 unforced errors, and hit only two winners, while her opponent had six unforced errors and four winners.

The second set began with another game for Swiatek, but the World No. 3, responded with a game victory on her serve and raised her level to take a 3-1 lead, including a break. The sixth game, during Gauff's service, had three break points and six deuces in total, lasting nearly 12 minutes.

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Ultimately, the 19-year-old American claimed the most contested game of the set. Both players broke each other's serves, and Gauff led 5-4 with a chance to win the set on her serve. Astonishingly, she committed four double faults, gifting the game to her opponent, who did not even touch the ball.

After that game, Coco Gauff experienced a noticeable drop in her spirits, making several unforced errors, and eventually lost the match 6-0, 7-5, winning only one of the last 13 points played.

Swiatek's victory guarantees her place in the semifinals, and she joins Jessica Pegula as the first qualifiers from the round-robin stage, with one match remaining. The last group matches are scheduled for November 3, featuring Jabeur vs. Swiatek and Gauff vs. Vondrousova.

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