"There are more and more matches where I get free points": Iga Swiatek sends strong message after dominant WTA Finals opener

Iga Swiatek sent an early message in Riyadh — focus, precision, and control. The world No. 2 opened her WTA Finals campaign with a ruthless 6-1, 6-2 victory over Madison Keys, backing up her pre-tournament promise of staying aggressive against the sport’s biggest hitters. Speaking with Sky Sports after the match, Swiatek reflected on execution, mentality, and her constant evolution heading into the season’s closing week.

“I just focused on myself and on my tactics,” Swiatek said to Laura Robson after her opening victory. “I was kind of able to do everything that I wanted to, and that’s what I’m most pleased about.” Her control was clear from the start, taking time away from Keys and dictating rallies from both wings. “My focus was good from the beginning to the end. For sure it was a positive day, and I used every opportunity I had to put pressure on her — that paid off.”

This victory marked Swiatek’s fifth consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals and her 12th career win at the event, giving her a 12–4 record (75%). Her 2025 campaign now stands at 62–15, with three titles — Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and Seoul — and $9.4 million in prize money earned so far.

Though the world No. 1 spot remains beyond reach due to Aryna Sabalenka’s lead, Swiatek’s drive hasn’t dimmed. “You need to deliver every day here to win the tournament,” she said. “I’m happy with today, but for sure I need to be ready for the next ones.” Her next challenges will come against two of the tour’s hardest hitters — Elena Rybakina, who defeated Amanda Anisimova by 6-3, 6-1.

Swiatek revealed that her work with coach Wim Fissette this season has centred on adapting to fast, flat hitters — a preparation she believes is now paying off. “It was one of my goals from the beginning when I started working with Wim, to be able to hit back these fast and low balls without any spin,” she explained. “I think I improved that, and I’m going to try to use that experience here.”

That evolution has been evident since the grass season. Her ability to absorb and redirect pace was a major factor in her Wimbledon title, proving how her game has expanded beyond her trademark clay dominance. With each match, Swiatek continues to refine the balance between control and aggression — a blend that makes her one of the tour’s most complete players.

Swiatek’s serve — once a relative weakness — has quietly become a key part of her dominance. “There are more and more matches where I’m able to get many free points just with my serve,” she said. “That kind of never happened to me before — I used to have to grind for every point.”

Her partnership with Fissette has now reached its one-year mark, and Swiatek credits the Belgian coach for helping her make technical and mental gains. “It feels nice,” she smiled. “I really appreciate that. It’s great, and hopefully it will continue like that.”

Swiatek’s 2025 season has been more about refinement than revolution — sharpening her tools, improving small details, and maintaining her mental edge. Even without a ranking chase on the line, the message in Riyadh was loud and clear: Swiatek is still setting the pace. “It’s always about the execution,” she said, summing up her mindset. “You need to deliver every day.”

The 6-time major champion will return to the court this Monday against Elena Rybakina, looking to take the group lead. A victory will practically secure passage to the semi-finals, although the number of games and sets each player wins will be a key element, with both aiming for a win without conceding too many games.