WTA Finals: Swiatek Overwhelms Keys in a Thunderous Start at Riyadh

Returning to the tour after a two-month absence, Madison Keys endured an ordeal against a clinical Iga Swiatek. In just one hour of play, the Polish player triumphed 6-1, 6-2, securing an ideal start in her quest for a second title in this competition.

The opening match of the 2025 WTA Finals turned into a demonstration. In the Serena Williams group, Iga Swiatek dominated her duel against Madison Keys in Riyadh, in a one-sided encounter.

Returning to competition after more than two months out – her last appearance dating back to her surprising first-round defeat at the US Open – Keys displayed a glaring lack of rhythm. The American, outclassed from start to finish, piled up unforced errors (15 in the first set alone).

Without needing to force the issue, Swiatek capitalized on her opponent's errors to win 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour of play. A resounding victory that allows her to perfectly launch her campaign in Riyadh and take the lead in her group.

Keys, for her part, will need to react quickly in her next match on Monday, at the risk of being officially eliminated from the tournament.