ELENA RYBAKINA is through to the last four of the WTA Finals after producing a storming comeback to beat Iga Swiatek in Riyadh today.
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina lost the first set after a single break in 36 minutes, but turned the match on its head in the second and went on to win 12 of the next 13 games.
The win, coupled with Amanda Anisimova’s three-set victory over Madison Keys, ensured that Rybakina will finish top of the Serena Williams Group and secure a semi-final berth, while Swiatek and Anisimova will battle it out for the second spot on Wednesday.
World number two Swiatek thrashed Keys 6-1 6-2 in her opening round-robin clash, but was twice broken in the second set against Rybakina before being bageled in the decider to lose 6-3 1-6 0-6.
Rybakina, who had lost each of her previous four matches against Swiatek, has now played two and won two in Riyadh following a 6-3 6-1 triumph over Anisimova in her tournament opener.
Fourth seed Anisimova bounced back and also recovered from a set down against fellow American Keys to win 4-6 6-3 6-2 in their second round-robin match.
World number six Rybakina next faces Keys, while Swiatek takes on Anisimova in the group’s final matches.



