RIYADH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sixth seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan produced a stunning comeback to defeat second seed Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals group stage in Riyadh on Monday, securing her second straight win and booking a spot in the semifinals with one match to spare.
Swiatek had won all four of their previous encounters earlier this year, and the Pole looked set to continue that dominance as she broke Rybakina's serve early and took the first set 6-3.
However, momentum shifted in the second set as Rybakina raised her level, improving both her serve and baseline aggression, while Swiatek's form dipped, leading to a rise in unforced errors. The Kazakh broke twice to claim the set 6-1.
In the decider, Rybakina completely took control, reeling off six straight games to win the final set 6-0 and snap her losing streak against the world No. 2.
"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," Rybakina said afterwards.
"My serve improved, and I'm really happy that I stepped in and played better each point. I'm very happy with my performance," she added.
In the day's other match, fourth seed Amanda Anisimova of the United States also came from behind to defeat compatriot Madison Keys 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
With two rounds of matches completed in the "Serena Williams" group, Rybakina has secured the top spot and advanced to the semifinals, while Swiatek and Anisimova will play on Wednesday for the group's remaining semifinal berth. ■