RIYADH:

Iga Swiatek made a ruthless start to her WTA Finals campaign, handing Madison Keys a 6-1, 6-2 defeat on day one of the season-ending championships in Riyadh on Saturday.

The Polish second seed claimed a tour-leading 62nd victory of the year and improved to 7-2 head-to-head against Keys.

Swiatek is seeking a second WTA Finals crown, having lifted the trophy in Cancun two years ago.

Meanwhile, Keys qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2016 and is one of four Americans in the eight-player singles field in Saudi Arabia this week.

The pair share the Serena Williams Group alongside Amanda Anisimova and Elena Rybakina, who will square off later in the day.

"It feels great to be back in Riyadh especially that we've been switching places the last few years," said Swia

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