World number two Iga Świątek faces a crucial must-win match against Daria Kasatkina on Thursday to keep her WTA Finals hopes alive. The need for a victory comes after Świątek's 6-3, 6-4 loss to Coco Gauff, leaving her with a final opportunity to advance to the semi-finals. 
 
Kasatkina, the world number nine, was brought in as a first alternate after Jessica Pegula withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury following her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Barbora Krejcikova. Pegula’s exit officially ended her own chances of reaching the semi-finals.
 
Świątek will also need Gauff, who has already qualified for the semi-finals, to defeat Krejcikova in order to secure her spot in the final four. The pressure is on for the Pole as she looks to bounce back in her last match of the orange group and extend her stay in Riyadh.