MASON, Ohio – Third seed Iga Swiatek secured her spot in the Round of 32 at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, overcoming a spirited second-set challenge from Anastasia Potapova to win 6-1, 6-4. The victory at the Lindner Family Tennis Center marks Swiatek’s 64th consecutive opening match win at WTA events, a remarkable streak not seen since Monica Seles in the 1990s. It also signifies the Polish star’s 300th career professional victory.
Dominant Start for the World No. 3
Iga Swiatek wasted no time asserting her dominance in the opening set. Displaying exceptional control and power, particularly on her serve, she swiftly moved through the games. The recent Wimbledon champion won 100% of her first-serve points in the first set, giving Potapova little opportunity to make an impact. Swiatek broke Potapova’s serve twice, taking five consecutive games to close out the set emphatically at 6-1 in just 26 minutes.
Potapova’s Push and Swiatek’s Resolve
The second set saw a shift in momentum as Anastasia Potapova, ranked No. 45, found her footing. After Swiatek secured an early break to start the second set, putting her seemingly in full control, Potapova refused to concede. The Russian rallied, breaking back in the fourth game to level the set and signal her intent to fight for a comeback. This marked a moment of tension in a match that had previously been one-sided. However, Swiatek, known for her mental fortitude, quickly regained her composure. The six-time Grand Slam champion broke Potapova once more in the seventh game, re-establishing her lead and effectively quashing any further comeback hopes. Swiatek then held her serve to close out the set 6-4 and secure the straight-sets victory.
Bouncing Back and Milestones
The win is a crucial one for Swiatek, who is looking to build momentum on the hardcourt swing after a surprising early exit at the Canadian Open in Montreal. Prior to Cincinnati, Swiatek had openly admitted that her historic Wimbledon title run led her to “relax a little bit longer,” potentially impacting her sharpness in Montreal. Her performance against Potapova, especially her ability to shut down the second-set rally, indicates a return to her formidable form.
Swiatek’s consistent success in opening matches is a testament to her focus and preparation. Her 64 consecutive opening match wins at WTA events place her in an elite category alongside legends like Monica Seles. Reaching 300 career victories also highlights her rapid ascent in the professional ranks.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Iga Swiatek advances to the Round of 32, where she is set to face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, the No. 25 seed. Kostyuk secured her spot by defeating Tatjana Maria 6-0, 6-1. The upcoming match promises to be another test for Swiatek as she continues her campaign at the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open.
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