Barbora Krejcikova defeated Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4 on Thursday to secure the final semifinal slot at the WTA Finals. Krejcikova rounds up a last-four roster that also featured Gauff, Zheng Qinwen, and top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka.
Barbora Krejcikova, 27, stated, “I’m really happy with my performance and this is a big win for me. It was a really good match.” It’s difficult. It fluctuated in value. It seems unthinkable to be here and make it to the semifinals. I’m rather pleased with myself, and I’m eager to take on new tasks.
“I was definitely super excited to be here, to come here, to qualify to play against the best ones,” Krejcikova said. Also read: Tomas Machac tops Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai Quarterfinals
In Friday’s semifinals, Wimbledon champion Krejcikova, who won the Orange Group, will play Zheng, while Gauff will play Sabalenka, who won the Purple Group. After saving four break points and winning a close opening set that lasted 54 minutes, Krejcikova finished with a strong backhand that whizzed down the line. Unforced mistakes cost Gauff, who had not lost a set in the championships until Thursday, 23 in the first set.
Swiatek, who tied Serena Williams’ record with five 6-0 set victories in the tournament and currently trails only Martina Navratilova (12), Chris Evert (7), and Steffi Graf (7), is not the first player to steamroll Kasatkina at the WTA Finals. Also read: Wimbledon Tennis Tournament to Replace Line Judges with AI Technology Starting in 2025