WTA Finals: Iga Swiatek dismantles Madison Keys in 61 minutes

Victory never appeared in doubt for 2023 winner Swiatek after an error-strewn start by Keys, who was contesting her first match since losing in the first round of the US Open in August.

World number two Swiatek broke the American’s serve at the first opportunity – helped along by two double faults – and did not relent from there. Keys had won just three points by the time she found herself 5-0 down.

Keys, who ended her wait for a first major title in January, held serve at the third attempt to temporarily halt Swiatek’s progress – but the 30-year-old ultimately ended the 23-minute first set with only one winner to 15 unforced errors.

Six-time major winner Swiatek kept her momentum with an immediate break in set two, but a lapse in concentration in the next game gave Keys a route back into the contest.

But two more double faults by Keys handed the initiative back to her opponent, and Swiatek reeled off five of the final six games to complete an inevitable victory.

Asked what pleased her most about her performance, the 24-year-old told the crowd: “Everything. All the things I have practised, I got it together today to play with the right balance between playing solid and aggressive.

“I’m happy I could bring my game today.”