The WTA Finals have officially begun! Swiatek faces off against Keys, while Sakkari battles Leylah in intense matches.

The much-awaited Riyadh year-end finals officially started today, sparking excitement among spectators and online viewers right from the first match.

After the group draw ceremony concluded, seeing Swiatek alongside Keys, Sabalenka, and Anisimova in the "Serena" group made the Polish player’s prospects in this tough group a hot topic in discussions.

Some say Swiatek, who suffered a heavy defeat by Badosa at the Wuhan 1000 event, will be determined to prove that even a tiger can’t always nap, and she will show her true strength at the finals, making it hard for anyone to stop her progress; others argue that facing strong contenders like Keys, Sabalenka, and Anisimova, Swiatek’s chances of advancing look bleak, and she will likely struggle to get out of the group.

As Swiatek is the first to appear on the opening day of the finals, her performance will likely determine which side—those backing or doubting her—will be proven right.

Interestingly, Swiatek’s opening match in Riyadh is against her longtime rival Keys, a matchup loaded with significance, making this highly anticipated battle fiery even before it begins.

Swiatek and Keys have faced each other twice this year, both times leaving a strong impression on fans.

The first encounter was at the Australian Open early this year, where Swiatek was widely expected to reach the final after winning the first set 7-5, but surprisingly, she was overturned by Keys, who took the next two sets 6-1 and 7-6(8), blocking Swiatek just one step away from the final.

This loss was particularly heartbreaking for Swiatek’s supporters since she was defeated after having match points, adding to the drama of her exit.

Their second meeting came in the quarterfinals of the French Open this year, where the roles reversed and Swiatek triumphed in a comeback victory, avenging her Australian Open defeat.

This match was intriguing because clay courts are considered Swiatek’s stronghold, and Keys was heavily underestimated beforehand. However, Keys played almost flawlessly in the first set, leaving Swiatek disoriented and losing the set without winning a game.

After such a shock, Swiatek snapped out of it and rallied to win the next two sets 6-3 and 6-2, staging a strong comeback that showcased her dominance on clay at Roland Garros.

Their opening day clash at the year-end finals has been humorously dubbed by fans and netizens as Keys’ chance for revenge.

Nevertheless, predictions still lean against Keys in this key match.

Since Keys has been inactive since the US Open, many believe her physical condition is questionable, which explains why she missed the entire Asian swing—a sign that does not bode well for her.

Given this, it seems inevitable that Keys is not favored to win when facing Swiatek.

Bookmakers also favor the Polish star, as reflected by the odds: Swiatek at 1.22 versus Keys at 4.33, showing a significant disparity.

The match is scheduled to start no earlier than 11 PM Beijing time tonight, and it will be interesting to see if Swiatek’s form can defy her doubters and whether Keys can avenge her French Open loss.

Another match drawing attention, though less so than Swiatek vs. Keys, features Anisimova facing Leylah Sabalenka.

The American and the Kazakh player have never met before, making this a genuine first encounter.

Anisimova is this year’s new champion at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as the China Open winner; Leylah has shown a strong resurgence during the Asian season, displaying excellent form. Predicting the winner is tough, and bookmakers have set even odds at 1.91 for both players.

This match will begin no earlier than 12:30 AM Beijing time on November 2nd and promises to be another must-watch showdown!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlight River’s Starry Sky)