Iga Swiatek (WTA 2), title holder, was eliminated on Thursday from the WTA Masters in Riyadh in the group stage. She was knocked out of the tournament by the victory of Barbora Krejcikova (13th) against Coco Gauff (3rd).
Victorious 7-5 6-4 over the American, the Czech finishes at the top of the Orange group and will face the Chinese Qinwen Zheng (7) on Friday in the semi-final, while Gauff, 2nd in the group, will challenge world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final.
Earlier in the afternoon, Swiatek had easily beaten (6-1 6-0) the Russian Daria Kasatkina, 9th player in the world. Despite her two successes in three group matches, the Pole finished 3rd in the Orange group due to her defeat conceded Tuesday against Gauff.
A first half for Krejcikova
As for Krejcikova, during her only previous participation in the meeting which brings together the eight best players of the season, she was eliminated in the group stage after three defeats in as many matches.
The Riyadh Masters was Swiatek’s first tournament since his defeat in the quarterfinals of the US Open in early September. The Pole still plans to represent her country at the BJK Cup (November 13-20) before ending her season.
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