“Facing Pegula will be my toughest match” – Swiatek all set for WTA Finals showdown

When Iga Swiatek faces Jessica Pegula in the WTA Finals, she knows that a win will also seal her year-end world No 1 spot.

“It’s still a long way, tomorrow’s match will be the toughest one,” she said after beating current world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.

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The 22-year-old also knows that her American opponent will be tough to get past. Pegula has already beaten the world No 1, No 3 and No 4 in Cancun (Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina respectively); if she also beats Swiatek, she will be the first woman to play and defeat the top four in the same tournament since the rankings were devised in 1975.

Swiatek: Pegula can play in any conditions

Asked to reflect on Pegula’s strengths, Swiatek responded: “She’s just a solid player. Even though it doesn’t seem like she’s got extraordinary shots, she’s really good at everything she plays. She’s really mature…all the different things. I’ll focus on myself. I know what I can do here. I’ll be ready.

“She really showed that she can play in any conditions…for now I’m really focused on just continuing on what I have been doing for the past days. I managed to do that tonight.”

And when prompted to assess the magnitude of the match, the Pole described it as “not the biggest final, but one of the biggest finals”, adding: “I’m just achieving my goals and my dreams…I just try to be grateful for that.”

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