"I'm trying to occupy my mind" - Iga Swiatek reveals unique method to keep herself from 'overanalyzing' WTA Finals loss to Elena Rybakina

Iga Swiatek recently experienced an unfortunate bump in the road in her campaign at the WTA Finals as she lost to Elena Rybakina in a disappointing result. After the match, the Pole revealed the unique method she is using to keep herself from ‘overanalyzing’ her defeat.

Swiatek entered the WTA Finals as the World No.2 and a front runner for a title finish. She got her campaign in Riyadh off to a promising start, ousting America's Madison Keys in straight sets. Keeping this momentum going, the Pole began her match against Rybakina on a strong note, clinching the first set 6-3. However, the Kazakh made a roaring comeback and there was little Swiatek could do as her opponent won the next two sets 6-1, 6-0.

After the match, Iga Swiatek reflected on her loss and revealed that she's trying to keep her mind occupied in between matches to avoid overanalyzing her defeat, saying,

“Rybakina was more aggressive and solid in finishing rallies. I need to watch this match again to understand everything, but also not overanalyze it. I'm trying to occupy my mind with other things between matches. Right now, I'm watching "Game of Thrones.”

Prior to this latest clash, Swiatek had won four back-to-back matches against Elena Rybakina. After their battle in Riyadh, the Kazakh has now narrowed the Pole's lead in the duo's head-to-head record to 4-6.

Elena Rybakina opens up about beating Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals

Swiatek and Rybakina at the WTA Finals 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

Elena Rybakina has displayed impeccable form at the WTA Finals so far. The Kazakh downed Amanda Anisimova in her first match at the event, before meting out a similar treatment to Iga Swiatek. After defeating the six-time Grand Slam champion, Rybakina shared her thoughts on the match, saying in an on-court interview,

“Yeah, it's always very tough to play against Iga. She brings so much intensity on the court and I feel like she started really well the the match and I was a little bit slow. So the serve straight away she broke me. So it was difficult to be down but in the second set I pushed myself the serve improved and yeah really happy that I stepped in and played better each point. So yeah, I'm very happy with the performance.”

With her win over Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina has confirmed her place in the last four of the WTA Tour Finals. Meanwhile, Swiatek will have to defeat Amanda Anisimova in their upcoming encounter if she hopes to join the Kazakh in the semifinals.

Edited by Riddhi Acharya