Swiatek back as champ, No. 1

MANILA, Philippines — Poland’s Iga Swiatek thrashed Jessica Pegula to win the WTA Finals on Monday, sealing her return to world No. 1.

Second seed Swiatek dominated Pegula from start to finish to clinch a 6-1, 6-0 victory in a 59-minute masterclass.

The 17th win of Swiatek’s career ensures that the four-time major singles champion from Warsaw will finish the season as world No. 1 for a second straight year.

“The team that’s been with me the whole season, we had many ups and downs,” a jubilant Swiatek said after her win.

“This is for sure an up. We will for sure have many more if we keep working like that,” added Swiatek, who lost just 20 games across the tournament – a new record.