WTA Finals in Riyadh are set to kick off with a blockbuster clash between two Grand Slam champions — Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys. The match marks the eighth meeting between the two powerhouses, and with both players coming off remarkable seasons, fans can expect a high-octane encounter to open the Group Serena Williams action.
Madison Keys: Returning to the WTA Finals as a Grand Slam champion
Nine years after her debut at the prestigious year-end event, Keys returns to the WTA Finals as a major champion. The American’s triumph at the Australian Open earlier this year capped off a career-defining run that saw her defeat three Grand Slam winners — Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka — to clinch her first major title.
Her performance in Melbourne was nothing short of sensational. Keys saved a match point against Swiatek in the semifinals before dethroning two-time defending champion Sabalenka in the final, showcasing the composure and power that have long defined her game.
That victory not only earned her a long-awaited Grand Slam crown but also secured her spot in Riyadh, ending an eight-year gap between WTA Finals appearances — the longest in tournament history, surpassing Amy Frazier’s previous record.
However, Madison Keys enters this encounter short on recent match practice, having not competed since her shock defeat to Renata Zarazua at the US Open. Her ability to find rhythm quickly against an in-form opponent will be crucial.
Iga Swiatek: The Pole looks to maintain her dominance
On the other side stands Swiatek, the 2023 WTA Finals champion and a player who has continued to showcase her relentless consistency. Despite a turbulent start to the season — including an Olympic setback, a coaching change, and other off-court challenges — Swiatek has rediscovered her form in emphatic style.
With titles in Cincinnati, Seoul, and a historic Wimbledon triumph, Swiatek has reasserted herself as one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis. Her 2025 record of 61-15 speaks volumes about her endurance and adaptability across surfaces.
The world No. 2 also holds a commanding 5-2 lead in the head-to-head against Keys. Although the American’s two victories came on hard courts, Iga Swiatek’s tactical sharpness and superior consistency make her the favorite heading into this encounter.
Head-to-Head Record
Madrid (2025) – Quarter-final: Swiatek def. Keys 0-6, 6-3, 6-2
Australian Open (2025) – Semi-final: Madison Keys def. Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8)
Rome (2024) – Quarter-final: Swiatek def. Keys 6-1, 6-3
Madrid (2024) – Semi-final: Swiatek def. Keys 6-1, 6-3
Cincinnati (2022) – Round of 16: Keys def. Swiatek 6-3, 6-4
Indian Wells (2022) – Quarter-final: Swiatek def. Keys 6-1, 6-0
Rome (2021) – Round of 32: Swiatek def. Keys 7-5, 6-1
Iga Swiatek leads the rivalry 5-2, but their last two encounters have been fiercely contested, with Keys managing to push the Pole to her limits.
Prediction
While Madison Keys’ power and aggression can trouble any opponent, Swiatek’s consistency, movement, and ability to adapt mid-match give her the upper hand. Expect a tight, high-quality battle — but the Polish star should prevail.
Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win 2-1.