The Polish world No. 1 clinched a 6-2 6-3 victory over the Russian eighth seed in 82 minutes as she kicked off her campaign at the eight-player event in Fort Worth, Texas, news outlets reported.
Świątek will next face France's Caroline Garcia, who defeated American Coco Gauff in their first group-stage match, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The 2022 WTA Finals event began on October 31 and runs until November 7.
The Polish star last month won the San Diego Open tournament in the United States, claiming her 11th career singles title.
Świątek in September won the US Open, capturing her third Grand Slam trophy.
The 21-year-old, coached by countryman Tomasz Wiktorowski, in early April took over as the new world number one in women's tennis, becoming the first Pole to top the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.
She now leads the WTA world rankings with 10,335 points, ahead of Tunisia's Ons Jabeur, with 4,555 points, and American Jessica Pegula, with 4,316 points.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, Eurosport