In November 2021, Iga Swiatek – then a one-time Grand Slam champion – lost back-to-back matches at the WTA Finals. Whilst this may not seem very remarkable in any way, the Pole hasn’t repeated the consecutive losses since.
The world No 2 has many impressive achievements. Five major titles, 125 weeks ranked as the world No 1, 22 career titles, and three consecutive Roland Garros singles trophies. However, when compared to her nearest-ranking rivals, Swiatek’s period without back-to-back losses stands alone.
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina had mixed fortune in 2024, suffering various illnesses and strange losses.
At the WTA Finals, the Kazakh lost her opening round-robin match 7-6(5), 6-4 to Jasmine Paolini – who had reached the finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon that season.
In her crucial next round-robin match, two days later, the world No 7 suffered a 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-1 defeat to gold medallist Zheng Qinwen. That defeat eliminated Rybakina from semi-final qualification contention.
- Madison Keys – October 2024
Madison Keys is the clear ‘surprise’ player of 2025, having won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with sensational victories over various top players – including over Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
However, in October 2024, the American suffered a 6-4, 6-3 loss at the hands of the current world No 1 at the China Open – with the gap in form evident.
Keys moved on to another event in China, participating at the Wuhan Open. Despite beating Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight-forward fashion in Beijing, the 2025 Australian Open champion fell in the opening round in Wuhan to the Brazilian, 7-6(7), 6-2.
- Jessica Pegula – November 2024
American Jessica Pegula reached her first Grand Slam final in 2024, at the US Open, ultimately losing to Sabalenka. Despite this, the points she had accumulated helped her to qualify for the year-end championships in Riyadh.
Once there, Pegula was far from her best, losing 6-3, 6-2 to countrywoman Coco Gauff in her first round-robin match, before being defeated by former Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, 6-3, 6-3.
After her two losses, the world No 5 withdrew from her scheduled match, against Iga Swiatek, due to a left knee injury.
