SWIATEK BACK ON WINNING NOTE

Her WTA Finals title defence opens rustily after 2 months out; Zverev wins in Paris

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RIYADH - Iga Swiatek looked rusty on her return after two months out, as the world No. 2 rallied from a set and two service breaks down for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 win over Barbora Krejcikova and kick-started her WTA Finals title defence in Riyadh on Nov 3.

Poland's Swiatek lost in the US Open quarter-finals in September and was leapfrogged in the world rankings by Aryna Sabalenka, after opting to skip the WTA Tour's Asian swing due to fatigue.

"At the beginning I felt a bit rusty but I am happy I found a way to play a bit more solid. I didn't feel great at the start," said Swiatek.

"I just tried to do my usual stuff, control the ball a bit more because it was flying from my racket.

"I knew I had that game in me. I just needed to find it."

The 23-year-old, who is looking to reclaim top spot in the Saudi Arabian capital, dropped serve early and was unable to gain a foothold as Wimbledon champion Krejcikova ran away with the first set in their Orange Group match.