By Siring Adol Caur
- Iga Świątek [2] v Barbora Krejčíková [8]
- Coco Gauff [3] v Jessica Pegula [6]
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Coco Gauff will aim for her first win on a hard court against her compatriot Jessica Pegula as they meet for the first day for the Orange group’s round robin matches at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
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Iga Świątek [2] v Barbora Krejčíková [8] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Iga Świątek [2] v Barbora Krejčíková [8] | H2H: 2-2 |
| WTA Finals 2024 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Indoor Hard | Prize Money: $350,000 |
| Second on Center Court (Not before 12:30 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Day two of the WTA Finals begins with the orange group as the Roland Garros champion Iga Świątek will face the Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková for the first-time this season.
Krejčíková has won the last meetings, both held on a hard surface, in 2023 and 2022 respectively. Świątek is going to play her first match after her quarter-final exit at the US open against Jessica Pegula, earlier this year. Having won two hard court titles in the first innings on the hard season this year, she would be the one to look out for in this battle, as she will face the Czech who has won only the one title this year. The Pole will be a hard opponent for her for Krejčíková, as she has struggled with her form after Wimbledon to play well on the hard courts.
The newly dropped to number two ranking, Świątek will have an easy go at her opponent, taking due advantage of her groundstrokes and sharp backhand, footwork and more agility on the court. Krejčíková has lost five out of ten matches after her Wimbledon victory, and the four out of five losses came at hard courts, earning her early exits at the tournaments. The grand-slam victory gave her the edge to qualify for the WTA Finals for 2024.
Świątek will play her attacking and swift game, while dominating the service game like she always prefers to. On the other hand, Krejčíková would hit from the baseline and her favourable game near the net is an advantage she would have from her doubles’ expertise to capitalise on. While this looks like an aggressive match-up, the Polish number one can swipe the victory to her name with ease, following more exposure for the season.
Prediction: Świątek in straight sets.
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Coco Gauff [3] v Jessica Pegula [6] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Coco Gauff [3] v Jessica Pegula [6] | H2H: Pegula leads 5-1 |
| WTA Finals 2024 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Indoor Hard | Prize Money: $350,000 |
| Third on Center Court (Not before 15:00 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
The second match of day one will see an All-American clash between Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. The US Open finalist, Pegula will face the Australian Open and Roland Garros semi-finalist in their first battle at the WTA Finals. While Pegula has won the last three meetings, Gauff has won the third meeting they had, on grass.
The two played a semi-final last year in Cancun, where Pegula turned to be too strong for Gauff, winning 6-2, 6-2, in about an hour. In their first match-up pf the year, a strong game can be expected from either of them as the two have held an impressive form for the second swing of the hard season.
It has been a recognising year for Pegula, having won against a few top players like Świątek, whom she would face in the upcoming round robin matches. On the other hand, the American number one, Gauff, has not had a winning record against the top players this year, like losing to Świątek in two finals, namely the Roland Garros and WTA 1000 Rome Masters. Gauff can work her way up to record a second victory against her countrywoman.
The big serves and athleticism from Gauff would be an advantage to push deep on her groundstrokes, while Pegula, an early returner would read the ball well and proactively defend her game with her dictating forehand and mental composure.
Both being fluent on the hard surface would make the game fast and gripping, it will be an eventful match to look forward to predict the winner from the Orange group. Pegula, with her versatile game and calm demeanour can overpower the game when she would get an opportunity to.
Prediction: Pegula in three sets.
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