Iga Świątek Dominates Madison Keys in WTA Finals Opener

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Iga Świątek kicked off her participation in the WTA Finals with an impressive victory against Madison Keys on November 3, 2025. The Polish tennis player defeated the American with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-2, showcasing her skills and determination on the court.

Today’s match marked the beginning of the tournament in Riyadh, where the top eight female tennis players compete for prestigious titles. Świątek, ranked second in the world, faced Keys, who has been known for her strong performance but was outmatched today.

“I felt really good on the court. Everything was clicking for me,” Świątek said in a post-match interview. “It was important to start the tournament on a strong note, and I think I did that.”

Soon after Świątek’s win, Jelena Rybakina, ranked sixth globally, also secured a win against Amanda Anisimova, setting the stage for an exciting clash between Świątek and Rybakina later in the day. Their match is expected to provide thrilling tennis action for fans, beginning at 3:00 PM local time.

The upcoming match will be significant for both players. Historically, they have faced each other 11 times, with Świątek claiming victory in six of those encounters. “We know each other’s game very well, which makes it even more competitive,” Świątek said.

If Świątek wins against Rybakina and Keys secures a victory over Anisimova, Świątek will advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The WTA Finals offer a prize pool exceeding $15 million, and the winner can take home over $5 million if they win all their group matches.

In the group stage, players compete in a round-robin format. The best two from each group will proceed to the semifinals, with the finals scheduled for November 8.

Świątek’s group, named after Serena Williams, includes Madison Keys, Amanda Anisimova, and Jelena Rybakina. In the other group, Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula compete for advancement.

The WTA Finals have a rich history, previously known as the WTA Championships, and date back to 1972. Martina Navratilova holds the record for the most titles with eight, while Świątek won the tournament last year in 2023.