Reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has stayed alive in Riyadh after ousting world No. 6 Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-3 in her second match at the WTA Finals to improve to 1-1 and keep realistic chances of qualifying for the semifinal.
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In the opening match of Tuesday's programme in Saudi Arabia, both the Czech and the American were in a must-win situation since they lost their openers at the event.
Through the first five games of the match, there wasn't much separating the two as Pegula led 3-2 but without any break points seen on either side. Then, Krejcikova put it in another gear - claimed three breaks in a row - and won six consecutive games to open a 6-3 2-0 lead.
In the third game of the second set, the American managed to finally get her first break of the match but also snap the Czech's big run. However, it didn't change much on the court since the world No. 6 claimed another break in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and then just held on to her serve for the remainder of the match.
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Throughout the match, Krejcikova served exceptionally as she fired 11 aces - saved two of three break points she faced - while converting four of six of her break point opportunities.
Krejcikova responds after a heartbreaking loss to Swiatek
Two days earlier, the two-time Grand Slam champion was up by a set and two breaks against the Pole and appeared to be heading toward a statement win in her first match in Riyadh. But then, she allowed Swiatek to get back into the match and ended up losing in three sets.
Today, Krejcikova didn't allow herself to blow another big lead. Now, she will battle against Coco Gauff on Thursday in her Round Robin final.
Meanwhile, Swiatek and Gauff are next upat the WTA Finals - both have a 1-0 record.
