Iga Swiatek off and running at U.S. Open with confident first round win

NEW YORK -- Iga Swiatek and Wang Xiyu traded holds across the first seven games of the second set before the seven-time Grand Slam champion made her move. A perfectly placed forehand in the corner gave Swiatek the break she needed, and she served out a 6-2, 6-3 win after 1 hour and 28 minutes on Monday night.

It's the kind of performance that has come to be expected of Swiatek. Straightforward, and perhaps to the dismay of fans at Louis Armstrong stadium, lacking drama. The same can be said for her head-to-head with Wang, which she leads 3-0. She has won all three of their meetings in straight sets.

Swiatek has now won 28 consecutive opening matches at majors, with her last -- and only -- defeat in a Grand Slam first round coming to Viktorija Golubic at Wimbledon 2019. She is 30-1 overall, with 28 wins in straight sets.

"I don't treat these matches like they should be easy. I don't take them for granted," Swiatek said. "I'm always ready from the beginning (of the tournament) to put forward the intensity and I'm ready with the level."

While it was a forehand winner that sealed an opening hold for Swiatek, it was her work off the other wing that positioned her to take the first set. It's the shot that carried her to a break for 3-1 and the ensuing 4-1 hold.

To Wang's credit, she kept fighting, even from 0-40 down in her next service game. While Swiatek dominated behind her backhand, Wang's forehand kept her in the match. She saved two of the three break points with forehand winners and the other with a stellar volley.Things flipped in the final two games of the first. Swiatek suddenly found her forehand, while Wang's control of the shot vanished. Swiatek struck another forehand winner on game point to hold for 5-2, then hit two in the final game. She then watched as Wang's forehand sailed long to hand her the break and the set.

Swiatek's brilliance extended into the second. A perfectly executed forehand pass gave her a chance to break midway through the set, and while she didn't convert then, she earned the break a few games later. In total, she forced nine break points -- converting three -- while facing none on her own serve. She also won 80% of her first-serve points.

Swiatek will face World No. 449 Nadia Podoroska (former No. 36) next. Swiatek won her only previous meeting with the Argentine in the 2020 Roland Garros semifinals en route to her first Grand Slam title.

A win would give Swiatek her 110th Grand Slam main-draw victory since the start of 2020. She has already claimed the most of any player, with Aryna Sabalenka (106) the only other player with 100 or more such wins over that span.

wtatennis.com

Iga played with confidence and clarity today. 

Knew what she wanted to do and just went for it with no hesitation. 

Her whole game looked just free flowing, something we've rarely been able to see this year. 

I would say the coaching partnership with Roig is a slam dunk. 

It took time to see all the work and instruction bear fruit, but it's really evident in the way she's playing now. 

Things have definitely clicked into place and it is an absolute joy to witness. 

I can honestly say that out of everyone who looked quite nervous in their first rounds today, Iga looked most at ease. 

Came out focused and in the zone and just stayed in it throughout.

On to the next one.

Jazda!

25 - Only three players this century have managed 25 career wins at the US Open in fewer matches than Iga Swiatek (31) – Serena Williams, Venus Williams (28 each) and Kim Clijsters (30). Merchant?

28 - Iga Swiatek (US 2019-US 2026) is the first player to record 28+ consecutive opening match wins at Grand Slam events since Serena Williams (31, RG 2012-WM 2021). Routine.

Roger Federer's legacy as he enters International Tennis Hall of Fame

 

NEWPORT — He raised the level of the tour, created a new way of playing, inspired generations of young players and brought new fans to the sport. Roger Federer, the newest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, left a mark on the game in many different ways.

Great legends of tennis reflected on the Swiss player’s legacy. A spoiler: none of them speak specifically of wins, titles or records. All agree that what he built goes far beyond that.

“What a positive role model in every sense for our sport,” Billie Jean King told CLAY in Newport, minutes before the 20-time Grand Slam champion was inducted into the exclusive club.


For King, the great impact Federer generated is visible in the leading figures of tennis today.

“Take Carlos Alcaraz. Carlos is born, and the three best players in history played for more than 20 years. Roger had a great rivalry with Nadal, and then Djokovic appeared. Can you imagine growing up watching those three? That is what helps each generation surpass the last: you are watching the greatest. The standard Carlos has seen his entire life is incredibly high,” said the 12-time Grand Slam champion.

Mats Wilander, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, also believes Federer’s greatest contribution was raising the level of competition.

“His biggest impact is that he raised the bar so high that the level suddenly improved remarkably — because he was so dominant in his generation and took it to the next level, which is why today we have Alcaraz and Sinner,” the 1988 world No. 1 told CLAY.

“The way he was able to get so many non-tennis fans interested in watching him,” said Jim Courier.

“The elegance that he brought to the game, the way he made something so complicated look so simple, and maintaining his dignity and class all the way through all the combat he endured — it was pretty spectacular,” the North American, a two-time Australian Open and Roland Garros champion, told CLAY.

Redefining the game. Imposing a unique style, as effective as it was pleasing to the eye. Marat Safin, one of his great generational rivals, places Federer’s main legacy right there.

“He was the new way of playing tennis — his technique, his vision, the way he approached the game. He created a new generation of young players who grew up on him. The way he could play with the ball, he brought it to a whole different level of understanding the corners. You can see it in the way he was moving, the way he was anticipating, the way he was behaving on court. It’s the best one,” Safin told CLAY.

“He challenged you to play at 150% to beat his 100%. He’s the most complete player of all time, in my opinion. The margin of error is very small, and if you lose a little bit of concentration, you are gone — and everybody knew it,” the Russian, former world number one and champion in New York (2000) and Melbourne (2005), said in Newport.

In the most technical of analyses, Billie Jean King described a detail that for her makes an important difference.

“He watches the ball better than anybody else, which I love to analyze. The main reason people miss the ball, especially at the pro level, is because they don’t watch the ball all the way to the contact point. When Roger was playing, I said: go watch Roger. He’s versatile, he’s quick, but he watches the ball,” said King, a Hall of Fame member since 1987.

Popular affection is another notable aspect, evident this Saturday in Newport, where never before had so many people gathered for an induction ceremony.

“He’s an all-time great. People adored him, particularly corporate people,” said Billie Jean King. “He just made the game so popular in the world because he’s such a class act,” said Wilander.

claytennis.com

Roger Federer inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

 I thought I was done crying over Roger Federer making speeches after his retirement at Laver Cup in 2022.

I was wrong. So very wrong.

He got me again.

What a wonderfully heartwarming, funny, genuine, eloquent and emotionally impassioned speech. 

I was in tears before he even came on stage due to Mirka who rarely does public speeches introducing him. I think the woman has spoken publicly maybe one other time in Roger's entire 20+ year career. 

But boy, was she good. 

Not a dry eye in the house. 

Roger's whole speech was a reminder of just why I admired him for so many years. Still do in fact.

What's that saying people often utter in tennis, form is temporary class is permanent.

And Roger Federer is the epitome of it. 

Not just in tennis but in life.

It's not the number of victories or titles that make you the greatest of all time, it's who you are when no one is watching as Mirka put it in her speech. 

It's why Federer will always be my G.O.A.T. no one else on the men's side will ever compare. 

There will always be debates with Nadal, Djokovic etc. but to me there's no contest.

Iga Swiatek ends 10 match win streak in Cincinnati semis

 

Well Iga was far from her best today, physical and mental exhaustion caught up to her a bit after Toronto. 

As she herself admitted she was low on energy as the match begun, thus the 13  total service breaks. 

Still Iga should be nothing but proud of herself, she kept fighting  despite not having her level or rhythm for almost 3 hours. 

Iga of 5, 6 months ago would have lost in straights. Here she was still thinking and problem solving on court, trying different things. 

She's staying mentally stronger in matches and finally has belief in her game and shots again.

Didn't work out but she give it her all. 

So definitely lot's of positives to take away. 

Great fight, and a good indicator of what needs some work before NYC.

I think tiredness made Iga a lot less patient in rallies and she at times reverted to ball bashing and trying to outhit out of frustration. Tricky windy conditions certainly didn't help the situation.

Serve let her down with untimely double faults at very key moments towards the end of sets. 

If it weren't for that this match could have honestly gone either way. 

Stats wise it literally came down to a few crucial points. 

By the end of the match Iga actually had a higher first serve percentage and more winners. 

Pegula was just better at taking her opportunities and keeping her advantage (Iga was up 3-1 in the 3rd but couldn't consolidate the break).

Pegula does have a way of frustrating opponents with her flat ball striking, and makes you keep hitting extra balls.  

She's also very good at taking time away on fast hardcourt surfaces. 

Something that usually Iga does to her opponents.

If you're not feeling it on the day, her solid game will definitely take advantage. And that's exactly what happened.

That said an extra day or 2 to rest before the last Grand Slam of the year is probably not a bad thing for Iga. 

Proud of the way she fought despite not at her best. 

Great run, on to NYC.

Jazda!

Side note as great as Pegula was at times in this match I'll be surprised if she comes out the winner. 

My money is on Gauff (who at the moment is serving better than Sabalenka and Rybakina combined).

Iga Swiatek back in the Cincinnati semis via Rybakina retirement

Elena Rybakina's stay at the Cincinnati Open -- and current quest to dethrone Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the PIF WTA Rankings --- ended on Thursday night when she was forced to retire from her quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek with a left ankle injury.

Swiatek was leading 4-1 with Rybakina serving at 40-15 when things first appeared to go wrong. Rybakina couldn't finish off a rally at the net, and when Swiatek put a tough passing shot at her feet, the Kazakh missed the follow-up half volley and put her hands to her knees. She struggled to push off on her first serve on the next point, which lasted just three shots, and after a mid-game medical evaluation, Rybakina elected to end the match moments later.

After Sabalenka lost to Sara Bejlek in the fourth round on Wednesday, Rybakina needed to reach the final in Cincinnati to take the World No. 1 ranking. Instead, Sabalenka will retain the top spot going into the US Open next week, and Swiatek, the Toronto champion, will face Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.

"Honestly, I felt a bit like scared because I don't know if I see a player having an injury like that," Swiatek said afterwards. "I wasn't sure because she didn't look good obviously. But then she wanted a treatment, so I wasn't sure if she's going to be back or not. So I wanted to be really focused on just being ready because breaks like that can really throw you off of your rhythm and the momentum. But then I felt really sorry for her, but hopefully it's nothing serious."

“I was feeling anxious just looking at this situation," she added. "I hope Elena will be fine. The next tournament is the priority. I know this one is important as well. But US Open is US Open. I hope she’s gonna be ready for that. She’s super close to being No. 1 in the world. It’s a shame. I thought we were playing a good match. But health is a priority. I hope she’s gonna be OK.”

Rybakina later said that the issue was "bothering [her] for a long period of time," but she felt it was under control until the recent Hard-Court Swing.

"The match against [Magdalena] Frech [in the third round], stopping with the rain delays, I started to feel it more, and I took a day off completely after," she said. "It was feeling OK before the match but unfortunately one wrong movement, one landing, and something happened.”

Admitting that it was even painful to walk after the match, she said she hoped to learn more about the problem in the coming days.

Swiatek is bidding to become just the second woman since 2004 to successfully defending a Cincinnati title, after Serena Williams in 2014-15. She will take a 7-5 head-to-head record into her semifinal with Pegula, but the American has won four of their hard-court matches.

"Jessie looks different than me on the court, but she has a great feeling and great ability to predict where the opponents are going to play," Swiatek said. "So the ball is really hard coming from her racquet and tricky. For sure, it's going to be a challenge.

"American players also are more pumped to play in American tournaments, so I'll be ready for her best version. We played many tough matches against each other, and for sure she likes also playing here, so I'll be ready."

wtatennis.com

Iga was playing quite well and it looked very likely that she was going to advance regardless. 

But no player wants to advance in this way. 

I was quite looking forward to seeing how this one would unfold, so it was a real disappointment it ended the way it did.

Pegula next. 

It's been a while since they met especially on American soil so could be a potential blockbuster. Although Pegula did get a medical time out in her match against Anisimova as well.

Thank you extended WTA 1000's. 

I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face, but when will the tennis establishment start putting the players welfare first.

24 - Iga Swiatek has equalled Victoria Azarenka for the third-most WTA-1000 semi-finals reached (24) since the format’s introduction in 2009. Podium.

4 - Iga Swiatek has become the player with the joint-most consecutive semi-finals reached at the Cincinnati Open in the Open Era (four, 2023-2026), equalling Simona Halep (2015-2018). Feeling.

Iga Swiatek sets up another meeting with Rybakina 1 week later in Cincy Quarters

Another tournament, another milestone. No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek extended her winning streak to nine matches with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Diane Parry in the Cincinnati Open fourth round, and advanced to her 30th quarterfinal in the 48 WTA 1000 events she has contested in her career.

In addition, the former World No. 1 has made at least the quarterfinal stage in 14 of the 30 Grand Slams she has played so far. This season, Cincinnati marks her seventh tour-level quarterfinal.

As ever, the defending champion was mindful not to place too much weight on such statistics.

"It's always nice to hear that," she said in her on-court interview. "Usually after a tournament I like to a little bit look at the numbers, but during I'm just focused on the next match -- it doesn't matter if it's a quarterfinal or a second round, I treat every match the same way. But I know my Wikipedia is going to look good! The key is to focus on being present, and that's how you can get to those numbers."

Being present is exactly what Swiatek did to win her second match in as many meetings with Parry. There were sticky moments, most notably at the start and end of the contest. Swiatek was slow out of the blocks and dropped serve in her opening game -- but Parry was unable to convert two points to hold for 2-0, and the Pole swiftly wrested control of the set.

She maintained that firm grip all the way to a 6-3, 5-1 lead as Parry's intermittent forehand winners were outweighed by a slew of unforced errors -- 24 in total -- as she was unable to consistently hit through Swiatek. But with her back to the wall, the Frenchwoman suddenly produced her best tennis.

Using her slice to extend points and keep Swiatek on the move, Parry won two games in a row, saving a first match point on Swiatek's serve with a terrific forehand winner. Swiatek, though, quickly adjusted, winning two key lungbusters on Parry's serve at 5-3 to help her over the line on her fourth match point.

"I think how I adjusted to the slices and how I got them back," Swiatek said to press of what she was pleased with. "There weren't many situations where I felt out of rhythm while playing them, which is not easy because she has a good slice. She uses it a lot."

Swiatek said it felt like a flashback to playing former No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, who's signature shot was the slice. The Pole went 0-2 against Barty, with one match on hard court and the other on clay.

"Honestly, yeah. Sometimes when I played down the line, she was killing me with the forehand," Swiatek added. "I felt 'Oh my God, that's exactly what [I've felt before]. On the other hand, I was preparing for Ash then and it gave me some confidence."

Up next for Swiatek is a familiar foe in No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina, as the two will meet for the second time in eight days following Swiatek's straight sets victory to win the title in Toronto. The matchup is also another edition of last year's Cincinnati semifinal, which Swiatek won 7-5, 6-3.

Rybakina defeated No. 14 seed Diana Shnaider 6-4, 6-4 behind eight aces and winning 41-of-48 (85%) of her first service points. She also saved all seven break points faced, and notched a timely break in each set. For the second straight year and third overall, Rybakina has reached the last eight in Cincinnati.

"I think that my serve worked and helped me quite a lot this match because I didn't start too good, and I feel the serve did the job," Rybakina said. "Altogether -- the toss, push with the legs, rotation -- just all together."

Compared to Toronto, Rybakina has yet to drop a set in Cincinnati and is likely much more fresh than the effect of four-set matches and late night finishes had ahead of her Toronto final vs. Swiatek, who showcased her best tennis all season in Canada.

"It's tough to say that I'm much fresher but we will see how it's going to be tomorrow," Rybakina said. "I got some good sleep last two nights because after Canada it was really tough straight away. We will just see tomorrow."

"I feel no matter the results, it's a good preparation for upcoming US Open to play someone who is in a good form right now and playing well," Rybakina added. "My serve wasn't that good in Canada so if I can serve at least as I did today, it will be very helpful."

wtatennis.com

Another really solid match from Iga. 

Did a great job dealing with the slices coming from Parry, not easy having to stay low when you're tired but she managed it all well. 

Stayed patient and calm once more. The lengthy rallies were so impressive and something I've very much missed from Iga this past year.  

This will be the 2nd time this tournament she plays back to back matches. 

And now she'll face Rybakina once more, a much more rested Rybakina who hasn't lost a set and hasn't had to play lengthy 3 setters. So I expect this one to be a lot closer (maybe with a breaker) possibly a 3 setter. 

But if Iga has a good start as she did in Toronto I really think she'll manage it (despite the first night match and all). 

Definitely can't afford a slow start like today giving away the fist game. But I think she'll come ready to fight.

She's in the very tough part of the draw, but what better way to prove to yourself that you're doing well then by facing tough tests. Especially right before the U.S. Open.

Jazda Iga stay strong and keep going!.

30 (2) - Iga Swiatek is the fourth-youngest player to reach 30 Tier I / WTA-1000 quarter-finals since the format’s introduction in 1990, older only than Martina Hingis, Agnieszka Radwanska and Maria Sharapova. Diamond.

30 (1) - Since the format’s introduction in 2009, only Serena Williams (45) and Agnieszka Radwanska (46) have made 30 WTA-1000 quarter-finals from fewer appearances than Iga Swiatek (48). Hurried.

9 consecutive wins in the season and in Cincy

Iga Swiatek fights past Sakkari for her 100th career hardcourt win

No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek came from a set down against frequent rival and No. 29 seed Maria Sakkari to continue her Cincinnati Open title defense, advancing 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 to the fourth round in 1 hour and 58 minutes

Swiatek improved to 6-4 overall against Sakkari, and 6-1 since the start of 2022. Her lone loss to the Greek player in that timeframe came in this year's Doha quarterfinals.

However, the former World No. 1 has seen an uptick in form during this year's Hard-Court Swing. She snapped an 11-month title drought to claim the Toronto title last week, and has now extended her winning streak to eight matches. Swiatek will next face Diane Parry, who defeated Lois Boisson4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-French third-round derby. No. 66-ranked Parry advanced to the last 16 at WTA 1000 level or above for the third time in her career, following Indian Wells 2024 and Roland Garros 2026.

Swiatek and Parry have played once before, with Swiatek winning 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Swiatek's comeback by the numbers

"It's hard to analyze it, honestly," Swiatek said in her on-court interview. "I felt like I was playing quite good in the first set, sometimes just lacked precision. Played too much to Maria, and she used the opportunities. She was playing faster than me, I feel like, or deeper. I really wanted to start pushing her so she doesn't get so many opportunities to push me, so I'm happy that in the second set it started working and I played a bit better. She started making mistakes, and I knew the momentum changed a little bit and it was time to push."

Swiatek may have found the match hard to analyze, but a few key statistics are illuminating.

Neither player was at their best off the ground in the first set -- Swiatek committed 17 unforced errors and Sakkari 13, both outweighing their winner tally. The Greek player, however, served brilliantly. She fired five aces, two when serving the set out, and did not face a break point -- the first time this season that Swiatek has failed to generate a break point in a single set.

Two double faults from Swiatek in the opening game of the second set seemed ominous for the Pole -- but she gritted out a hold, and with it the momentum shift that she mentioned. It was as absolute as it was sudden: over the second and third sets, Sakkari committed 26 unforced errors while striking just a single winner (when 4-0 down in the decider).

Meanwhile, Swiatek kept her game watertight - she tallied 13 winners to 20 unforced errors in the last two sets, a similar ratio to her first-set numbers -- and, once she had saved two break points to lead 3-0 in the second set, did not face another for the rest of the contest.

wtatennis.com

You could definitely tell Iga was understandably tired and low on energy and intensity in the first set. 

Which makes total sense with such a short turnaround and travelling to 2 different countries.  

Along with playing back to back days. 

Add having very little time to practice in different conditions, balls, court etc and I was actually quite impressed with how quickly she adjusted and turned the match around in her favor.

The Iga of 2 months ago probably would have been the one to suffer the loss. 

But now she played smart and continued to be patient in rallies, even when things weren't going her way and frustration seeped in. 

She stayed calm and just waited and took advantage of  her opportunities when Sakkari's level dropped. 

It's a huge positive change, or I should say return to status quo because Iga was always like this. 

She just lost confidence in her game and faith in her shots. Winning Canada has really brought that back, and it's a real joy not having to worry about mental slip ups in 2nd sets. 

Instead I get to watch Iga in full flight really enjoy herself out there again, playing with belief and a sense of belonging, maybe even feeling a bit freer too.

So that's 8 wins in a row for Iga now, and a 4th third set comeback of the season. 

After Toronto I'm not really focusing on Iga's level because as she proved it's definitely there. 

This week is more about recovery and finding a way to keep going. 

Every win is icing on the cake but it also won't be a bad thing if she doesn't get to the end and gets a few extra days of rest before the U.S. Open.

Both her and Rybakina are one win away from meeting each other in back to back tournaments this time in the quarters. 

We'll see how it goes, at the moment I'm simply soaking up seeing Iga kick butt on court again.

Jazda!

100 - Iga Swiatek has claimed her 100th win from 127 WTA-1000 matches on hard court – since 2009, only Serena Williams (118) has claimed 100 wins from fewer matches on the surface. Century.

80 - Since the format’s introduction in 2009, Iga Swiatek (80.2%, 142-35) only trails Serena Williams (84.1%) for career win rate at WTA-1000 events. Control.