The Polish tennis player will play in the semifinals if she wins, and in the second match, Gauff, who is confident of advancing, will beat Krejcikova. The exact outcome of the match between the Americans and the Czechs is not important from Świątek's point of view. It's also possible – if Gauff wins on Thursday – that the Pole will advance even if she loses. The American athlete is already confident of qualifying for the semifinals, and what is at stake for him is first place in the group and further financial benefits (USD 330,000 for victory) and points (USD 200).
Krejcikova's win means Świątek – regardless of the outcome of the match against Kasatkina – will end their title defense in the group stage. It would be a surprise, although considering how long his break is and how much is going on around his team, we wouldn't call it a sensation.
WTA Finals results and schedule in Riyadh
Orange group
Results: Iga Świątek – Barbora Krejcikova 4:6, 7:5, 6:2, Coco Gauff – Jessica Pegula 6:3, 6:2, Jessica Pegula – Barbora Krejcikova 3:6, 3:6, Iga Świątek – Coco Gauff 3:6, 4:6
Schedule: Iga Świątek – Daria Kasatkina (07.11, 13.30), Coco Gauff – Barbora Krejcikova (07.11, 16.00)
Purple group