In an action-packed day at the WTA Finals in Cancun on Wednesday, Iga Swiatek delivered a masterful performance, defeating Coco Gauff, while Ons Jabeur avenged her Wimbledon final loss against Marketa Vondrousova. These results have set the stage for a thrilling race to the semifinals.
Swiatek showcased her prowess early in the group stage match against the out-of-sorts Coco Gauff. The second-seeded Pole broke the U.S. Open champion twice and secured a commanding 4-0 lead. Her stunning display continued as she capitalized on an errant drop shot from Gauff, finishing the one-sided first set with an emphatic backhand.
However, Gauff displayed resilience in the second set, winning three consecutive games to take a 3-1 lead. The American teenager also outshone Swiatek in a marathon service game, moving to a 4-2 advantage. Yet Swiatek, a four-time major champion, refused to yield, clawing back to even the score at 4-4.
As the match progressed, Gauff’s game began to unravel. Frustration mounted as she recorded four consecutive double faults while serving for the set at 5-4. In the subsequent game, Gauff’s woes continued as she mishandled a return of serve, leading to a love hold for Swiatek.
Swiatek’s 9-1 lifetime tally against Gauff was solidified when the third seed’s overhead shot landed in the net, marking her 31st unforced error of the contest.
In the evening group stage match, Ons Jabeur faced Marketa Vondrousova in a rematch of their Wimbledon final. The first set began competitively, with both players locked at 2-2. However, Jabeur seized the momentum by breaking Vondrousova’s serve.
The former world number two required just under an hour to claim the first set and significantly less time to secure the second. With this commanding victory, Jabeur put an end to her three-match losing streak against Vondrousova.
Jabeur’s triumph marked her first win in the group after a previous loss to Gauff. This leaves both Jabeur and Gauff with one win each, while Swiatek holds the top spot with two victories. On the other hand, Vondrousova finds herself at the bottom of the group after suffering two losses.
With all four players in the group still in contention for a spot in the semifinals, the stage is set for exciting matchups on Friday. Swiatek will take on Jabeur, while Gauff will face Vondrousova in the final round of the group stage, promising a thrilling battle for advancement in the WTA Finals.
