Iga Swiatek came out on top in a Seoul final thriller versus Ekaterina Alexandrova 1-6 7-6 (3) 7-5, but that didn't prevent her from acknowledging her rival's play and showing some big respect for the world No. 11.
Right out of the gate, No. 2 seed Alexandrova showed that she came to play and broke the top seed three times to dominantly take the opener.
In the second set, Swiatek blew an early break and found herself two points away from losing the match at one point. However, the Polish tennis star managed to survive - and force a tie-break - where she stepped up big time.
One would think that the Russian's spirit would break and that she would easily lose the third set. But that wasn't the case as the 11th-ranked Russian claimed an early break and went 3-1 up, before Swiatek mounted a big comeback with breaks in the sixth and 12th games.
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Swiatek now has a 6-2 head-to-head against Alexandrova - but three of those six wins for the Pole came in three sets.
Swiatek to Alexandrova: Always so tough against you...
"It's always tough against you, so entertaining," the six-time Grand Slam champion told the Seoul runner-upduring the trophy speech.
The 30-year-oldalso had a classy message for Swiatek.
I want to congratulate Iga for such a great week and such a great result. Shes such a great player. Its always super difficult to play her. I tried to do my best today. It wasnt enough, so maybe next time Ill do a bit better," the Russian told the 24-year-old Pole.
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Swiatek now has three titles in 2025 and overall 25 WTA titles in her collection.
