WTA Finals: Krejcikova Secures Semifinal Spot, Swiatek Eliminated
Semifinals Set
Barbora Krejcikova will meet Zheng Qinwen in the WTA Finals semifinals for the first time in her second singles appearance. The Czech Wimbledon champion claimed a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Coco Gauff to secure her spot in the semifinals at the expense of the Pole.
Krejcikova’s Big Win
Krejcikova, who saved a remarkable 11 of 12 break points against Gauff, was thrilled with her performance. "Definitely this is a big win for me. I’m really happy with how I played and with my performance today. It was a really big match," she said. "Playing tomorrow again is something unimaginable before this tournament and I’m really proud of myself and I’m looking forward to the new challenges."
Swiatek Eliminated
World No 2 Iga Swiatek was eliminated from the WTA Finals on Thursday after Krejcikova’s victory over Gauff. Swiatek, who needed Krejcikova to lose in order to progress from the group stage, was eliminated from the tournament.
New Rule Sparks Debate
The new rule introduced by the Tour in 2024, which gives priority to a reigning Grand Slam champion over the eighth-ranked player in the race, has sparked debate among players. Daria Kasatkina, who made US$200,000 as an alternate called in to replace an injured Jessica Pegula in Thursday’s schedule, believes the top eight in the year-to-end WTA Race should be the ones competing in the WTA Finals.
Krejcikova’s Path to Semifinals
Krejcikova moves forward as the winner of the Orange Group, and will face Zheng Qinwen in Friday’s last-four stage, with Gauff of the USA advancing as the runner-up to set up a semifinal showdown with world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Conclusion
Krejcikova’s victory over Gauff has secured her spot in the semifinals of the WTA Finals, where she will face Zheng Qinwen. The Czech Wimbledon champion’s path to the semifinals was made possible by the new rule introduced by the Tour in 2024, which gives priority to a reigning Grand Slam champion over the eighth-ranked player in the race.
FAQs
Q: Who will Barbora Krejcikova face in the semifinals?
A: Krejcikova will face Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals.
Q: Who was eliminated from the WTA Finals?
A: Iga Swiatek was eliminated from the WTA Finals.
Q: What is the new rule introduced by the Tour in 2024?
A: The new rule gives priority to a reigning Grand Slam champion over the eighth-ranked player in the race.
Q: Who believes the top eight in the year-to-end WTA Race should be the ones competing in the WTA Finals?
A: Daria Kasatkina believes the top eight in the year-to-end WTA Race should be the ones competing in the WTA Finals.