A WTA Finals doubles champion in 2021, Krejcikova earned a late berth into the WTA Finals. The former world No. 2 booked her ticket to Riyadh in by virtue of winning her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon early this year despite not finishing in the Top 8 in the PIF Race to the Finals standings.
“I’m definitely proud. I had some very high parts to the season, especially winning the Wimbledon title. It was something that was really indescribable. Right now, to be here is a huge privilege to be playing in the Final Eight. It’s very nice to get a win and still be part of the event.”
Though she arrived with a 1-3 record since the US Open, the Czech hit the ground running against Swiatek when she took a set and 3-0 lead on the former world No. 1.
Though Swiatek ultimately turned the tables on Krejcikova, the 28-year-old appeared unaffected early in her second match against Pegula, who reached her first major final at the US Open two months ago. Pegula lost in straight sets to Gauff in her first match but has proven strong in this format before, having finished runner-up to Swiatek at the Cancun edition of the tournament in 2023.
Krejcikova and Pegula split their only previous meetings, both in 2023, and the two appeared on even footing after six holds of serve to start the match. The 2021 Roland Garros champion dug in from there, breaking Pegula twice to sweep the opening set out from under her and ease ahead by an early break in the second.
