Defending champion Iga Swiatek defeated Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-1 6-0 at the WTA Finals, but it remains to be seen whether she will qualify for the semi-finals.
Polish second seed Swiatek dismantled Kasatkina – a substitute who replaced the injured Jessica Pegula on Wednesday – in just 51 minutes during the end-of-season event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
However, Swiatek will be eliminated if Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova beats Coco Gauff, who has already qualified, later on Thursday to reach the last four.
Five-time major champion Swiatek, recently deposed as world number one by Aryna Sabalenka, defeated Krejcikova and lost to Gauff in her first two group matches.
“It was a pretty solid match. It was a good performance,” Swiatek said.
On a fast surface at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, Swiatek wrestled Gauff on Tuesday.
But she played with more pace and intensity to get past Kasatkina, who looked ill-prepared after her late call-up.
“I hit the ball really well and chose the right shorts to play faster,” Swiatek said.
Swiatek’s form has dipped in recent months, with Wim Fissette, who has helped several players win Grand Slam titles, replacing Tomasz Wiktorowski as her coach two weeks ago.
