The WTA Finals in Singapore have given us some wonderful tennis, and the final two round robin matches in the White Group promised more.
Red Group (as seeded)
Angie Kerber (1)
Naomi Osaka (3)
Sloane Stephens (5)
Kiki Bertens (8)
White Group (as seeded)
Caroline Wozniacki (2)
Petra Kvitová (4)
Elina Svitolina (6)
Karolina Pliskova (7)
Results (White Group)
- Petra Kvitová (4) v Karolina Pliskova (7)
It was an all Czech battle in the this match, with Karolina Pliskova attempting to defeat Petra Kvitová for the first time. Karolina broke the Petra serve immediately, although it was actually a Kvitová donation of three double faults that caused the outcome.
Happy with that, Pliskova enjoyed another break in the fourth game, sealed with a return winner. 4-0 and the opening set ripped asunder.
Kvitová recovered somewhat, and following five deuces, broke the Pliskova serve. Then down 0-40, the dual Wimbledon champion cashed in on Pliskova errors to save the break points and reach 2-4.
Pliskova used depth of shot to regain control, and serves were held until the set was won 6-3. Kvitová needed to win in straight sets to remain in contention for a semi final spot so that hope was now gone.
Playing for pride in set two, Kvitová hit two winners to hold serve, then a terrific drop shot gave her a break point which she converted for a 2-0 lead.
Pliskova was being hounded by huge returns from the Kvitová racquet, and was down 15-40 in the fourth game, but some big serving, including her first ace, saved the day, and she trailed 1-3.
Three successive service breaks and Pliskova found herself back on track. A strong service game consolidated her comeback at 4-4.
The final surge was complete as Karolina Pliskova’s fourth straight game resulted in her first ever victory over compatriot Petra Kvitová 6-3 6-4.
Pliskova is the first player through to the semi finals, and will top the White Group should Wozniacki defeat Svitolina.
- Caroline Wozniacki (2) v Elina Svitolina (6)
In possibly the most competitive and watchable matches played so far in the tournament, Caroline Wozniacki needed to win the first set to remain in contention for a semi final berth. Just one set for Elina Svitolina would seal for her and Karolina Pliskova semi final spots, and Wozniacki would be eliminated, even if she won the match.
Svitolina saved multiple break points to start the match, but was unable to hold off Wozniacki in game three of set one, where on break point she failed to put away a short Danish lob.
Wozniacki was pushing Svitolina to all parts of the court, and her defence was immaculate, making the Ukrainian play extra shots every time.
The long rallies continued, and serves were held until game eight, where at 30-30 Svitolina hit two winners to break back for 4-4
With more aggression, and moving to the middle of the court to control the points, Wozniacki achieved another break to lead 6-5, and she served it out, remaining alive in the tournament.
Wozniacki passed Svitolina at the net to break and lead 2-1 in set two, but was immediately broken back.
No trouble at the line for the next five games, and Wozniacki served at 4-5 to stay in the set. She accommodated, to love.
At 5-6, she couldn’t repeat the trick, saving four set points but not the fifth, handing the set to Svitolina and confirming for Elina a semi final spot. Wozniacki could no longer defend her 2017 WTA Finals title.
Wozniacki, like Kvitová, was playing purely for pride, ranking points, and dollars in the decider. She matched Svitolina through the first seven games without a service break. That came in the eighth game where the Wozniacki backhand broke down. A sizzling Svitolina return earned the break and a chance to serve for the match.
A lovely drop shot on her third match point, and Elina Svitolina won her third match out of three 5-7 7-5 6-3
Points after Day Four
- Red Group
- Stephens 500
- Bertens 375
- Kerber 375
- Osaka 250
- White Group
- Svitolina 750 - First in group and semi finalist
- Pliskova 625 - Second in group and semi finalist
- Wozniacki 500 - eliminated
- Kvitová 375 - eliminated
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