Queens, NY—-In Arthur Ashe Stadium, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek delivered a resounding message to her competitors as she began her title defense at the US Open.
The Polish sensation showcased her dominance with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory over World No. 86 Rebecca Peterson.
Despite appearing relaxed, exchanging high-fives with fans during her entrance, Swiatek swiftly shifted into business mode. A thunderous ace on the opening point set the tone, with Swiatek applying relentless pressure on Peterson, forcing her to play extra shots with impeccable defensive skills.
Swiatek’s precision serving was exemplary, securing her an astonishing 42nd set of the season with a scoreline of 6-0 or 6-1.
While Swiatek did concede a few errors, Peterson’s persistence earned her a hard-fought opening game after 37 minutes of play. However, at 1-1 with pressure mounting, Swiatek showcased her class with a point of supreme quality, aided by Peterson’s impressive retrieval skills. Swiatek’s delicate drop shot, followed by a decisive overhead and a pinpoint backhand pass, propelled her towards victory.
With this latest win, Swiatek notched her 43rd set of 2023 with a scoreline of 6-0 or 6-1, a remarkable achievement that underscores her sensational form.
Reflecting on her performance, Swiatek emphasized her focus on playing solid tennis and enjoying the game amidst pressure and expectations. She reiterated her commitment to personal development, emphasizing that numbers and statistics hold little significance compared to her growth as a player.
As Swiatek prepares to face Australian Daria Saville in the next round, her fellow contenders are undoubtedly taking note of her formidable display. Despite facing questions following recent semifinal defeats, Swiatek demonstrated her relentless determination during a dominant 58-minute performance.
With her signature power and skill on full display, Swiatek has set the stage for an exciting title defense at the US Open.
