Swiatek has played down expectations ahead of the fourth major of the year. Since her 37-match winning streak, the longest of this century, was ended by Alizé Cornet in the third round of Wimbledon, the Pole won just four out of seven matches before the US Open. In the run-up, she was open about her dislike of the balls used at Flushing Meadows.
But this emphatic 67-minute win was a reminder that, even out of her comfort zone, the 21-year-old can still be a destructive force. Swiatek smacked 14 winners to Paolini's five, and was ruthless in converting seven of nine break points.
The No.56-ranked Italian battled hard, breaking back twice in the first set and then winning the point of the match in the second with a backhand winner after going to to toe with Swiatek for 27 shots. But it wasn't enough to halt Swiatek's momentum as the World No.1 powered to her 18th bagel set of the year.
"I think just we did huge work before the tournament to work properly, but on the other hand also chill out and find a proper balance," Swiatek said, after her win.
Swiatek will next face 2017 champion Sloane Stephens, who overcame Greet Minnen 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. Swiatek and Stephens squared off for the first time this month in Cincinnati, where Swiatek won 6-4, 7-5.
18th love set of the year. Simply Iga Swiatek things :D
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