Published: 11:02, November 16, 2021 | Updated: 17:26, November 16, 2021
WTA Finals: Swiatek finishes season with win over Badosa
By Reuters

Poland's Iga Swiatek serves the ball to Spain's Paula Badosa during the women's singles match of the 2021 WTA Tournament Finals in Zapopan, Mexico, Nov 15, 2021. (ULISES RUIZ / AFP)

Poland's Iga Swiatek was all smiles after defeating Paula Badosa 7-5 6-4 in her final match of the round-robin stage of the season-ending WTA Finals in Guadalajara on Monday, despite already being eliminated from the tournament.

Iga Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, lost to Greece's Maria Sakkari and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in her first two matches to fall out of contention for the knockout rounds

Swiatek dug herself out of a 0-30 hole in the final game and rifled a forehand return winner on match point to beat the Spaniard, who had already booked a spot in the semi-finals.

The 2020 French Open champion lost to Greece's Maria Sakkari and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in her first two matches to fall out of contention for the knockout rounds.

The match was not completely without consequence, however, as the Pole earned 250 points for the win.

"I think it was a really solid match from me," the 20-year-old Swiatek told reporters.

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Spain's Paula Badosa returns the ball to Poland's Iga Swiatek during the women's singles match of the 2021 WTA Tournament Finals in Zapopan, Mexico, Nov 15, 2021. (ULISES RUIZ / AFP)

I'm pretty happy that I had a chance to show my tennis finally, overcome all these factors around, just play the game. I really enjoyed myself today on court, which is really important for me.

Iga Swiatek, Poland's professional tennis player

"I'm pretty happy that I had a chance to show my tennis finally, overcome all these factors around, just play the game. I really enjoyed myself today on court, which is really important for me."

She said she will be rooting for Badosa in the semis and hoped the loss, which snapped an eight-match winning streak, would not shake her confidence.

In the semis, birthday girl Badosa, who turned 24 on Monday, will face compatriot Garbine Muguruza for the first time.

The second last-four spot from the group will be decided by the clash between Sabalenka and Sakkari, who play later on Monday, with the winners facing Estonia's Anett Kontaveit.

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Indian Wells champion Badosa enjoyed straight set wins over both players in her first two matches at the WTA Finals, which were not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.