Defending champion Iga Swiatek has been knocked out of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia after group rival Barbora Krejcikova beat Coco Gauff to secure her place in the semi-finals.
Polish second seed Swiatek thrashed Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-1 6-0 in her final group match – but was still relying on Gauff doing her a favour in Riyadh.
However, Wimbledon champion Krejcikova won 7-5 6-4 – having saved four break points in the game where she eventually served out the match – to move into the knockout stage at Swiatek’s expense.
Winning in straight sets meant Krejcikova topped the Orange Group, setting up a meeting with Chinese seventh seed Zheng Qinwen.
Gauff, who had already qualified, will play Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka when the semi-finals take place on Friday.
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