Iga Swiatek admits she will try to "occupy my mind" with some different stuff so she can avoid "overanalyzing" what led to her shocking WTA Finals collapse against Elena Rybakina.
Swiatek made a swift start in Riyadh, taking out Madison Keys 6-1 6-2 and then also routinely winning the opening set against Rybakina 6-3. From that moment on, the world No. 2 completely disappeared from the court as the Kazakh stormed past the next two sets to complete a 3-6 6-1 6-0 win.
Rybakina went 3-0 up in the second set before the Pole served out the fourth game to get on the board in the second set. The 2022 Wimbledon champion then registered the next nine games of the match.
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For Swiatek, it was certainly a baffling loss, mainly due to the fact that she dominated Keys and also made a strong start against the Kazakh before everything went south.
Swiatek: I cannot allow myself to overanalyze what happened... I'll try to occupy my mind with other things
Rybakina was more aggressive and solid in finishing rallies. I need to watch this match again to understand everything, but also not overanalyze it. I'm trying to occupy my mind with other things between matches. Right now, I'm watching Game of Thrones," the six-time Grand Slam champion said after her defeat.
Meanwhile, here is what Rbyakina said about her comeback.
I feel like she started the match really well and I was a little bit slow, so on serve straight away, she broke me. It was difficult to be down, but in the second set, I pushed myself. My serve improved, and Im really happy that I stepped in and played better each point. Im very happy with my performance," the Kazakh reflected.
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On Tuesday, Swiatek will take on Amanda Anisimova, who also has a 1-1 record at the WTA Finals. The winner of the match will join Rybakina in the Riyadh semifinal, while the loser goes home.
