Swiatek, ranked world number two, hadn’t competed since her quarter-final loss to Jessica Pegula at the US Open in September, and the lack of match play showed early on.

She was broken in the opening game of each of the first two sets, quickly falling behind.

Down a set and trailing 3-0 in the second, Swiatek appeared headed for defeat.

However, she rallied impressively, winning 13 of the next 17 games to claim a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory.

Iga Swiatek serves up surprising statistic at the WTA finals

Swiatek, still in the running to reclaim the world number one spot from Aryna Sabalenka with a title win in Riyadh, charged ahead to a commanding 5-0 lead in the final set.

Krejcikova, visibly ailing, managed a late break to stay in the match briefly but couldn’t hold off Swiatek’s relentless play.

The Pole closed out the win in just over two and a half hours, with credit to some rather remarkable serving statistics.

Having hit 10 aces, Swiatek said: “That doesn’t happen often! I always work on my serve but not specifically. I don’t know why I served those 10 aces but I am going to take some positives from that.

“I think my serve has been progressing for a long time,” the Pole said, who has recently joined forces with new coach Wim Fissette.

“I have had my ups and downs and some matches it’s not worked perfect but I am happy with those aces, because they gave me confidence and I felt like I can win points for free.”

Swiatek, not known for her aces, struck three more in her WTA finals opener, than the total she hit in her previous four matches.

How rare is this Ace count for Iga Swiatek?

Swiatek’s serve has become increasingly effective, often winning her free points without relying heavily on aces.

This improvement may hint at adjustments made under her new coach, Fissette, who is known for fine-tuning his players’ power and precision.

Swiatek’s evolving serve adds an extra dimension to her game, enhancing her ability to dictate points from the start.

Next facing Coco Gauff – someone with an effective but vulnerable serve – we may learn whether the aces are here to stay, or just a one-off.

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