Iga Świątek wins her first match under new coach Wim Fissette at the WTA Finals

Second-ranked Iga Świątek defeated Barbora Krejčíková in her first match after two months at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, with sets of 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff made a successful start, beating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-2.

Świątek, who arrived at the WTA Finals under new coach Wim Fissette, had not played a match since losing consecutively to Pegula in the US Open quarter-finals in September.

Before taking over with second-seeded Świątek, Belgian Fissette had coached major champions such as Kim Clijsters, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep.

“Even though I played most of these (training) matches, I forgot all about it for a while, what it was like to feel some different stress and emotions,” Świątek said after ending a highly successful three-year partnership. coach Tomasz Wiktorowski.

“Of course, I needed some time to adjust. Most importantly, even though it happened, I managed to fight through it. And I was patient enough to wait for the recovery.”

Świątek came from 3-0 down in the second set to turn the tables against Krejčíková, who was injured and played only 29 games in the final. Seven of these were victories at Wimbledon.

At the All-American meet, Gauff converted five of eight break point opportunities against Pegula to win her opening match among the top eight players in the year-end tournament.

“I thought we both played at a high level,” Gauff said.

“I just think I’ve made progress on more important points.”

Gauff will face Świątek on Tuesday and the winner will take control of the Orange Group. Pegula will next face Wimbledon champion Krejčíková.

On Saturday, top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka earned a straight-set victory over Zheng Qinwen in the opening match of the finals in Saudi Arabia.

In the other match in the Purple Group, Italian Jasmine Paolini, ranked fourth, defeated Elena Rybakina, ranked fifth.

Świątek is the defending champion.

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