Iga Swiatek begins US Open title defence with win

• World No. 1 Iga Swiatek booked her spot in the second round of this year’s US Open after securing 6-0 6-1 victory over Rebecca Peterson
• The US Open defending champion came into the tournament seemingly not in top form but has already sent a tough message to her rivals

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek booked her spot in the second round of this year’s US Open after securing 6-0 6-1 victory over Rebecca Peterson. Swiatek needed less than an hour to defeat her Swedish opponent on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The US Open defending champion came into the tournament seemingly not in top form but has already sent a tough message to her rivals. Swiatek’s fellow players at the Grand Slam will be very wary of her performance in the court following the demolition of Rebecca.

Iga Swiatek. Photo/ Yardbarker.

Speaking after the match which lasted just 58 minutes, Swiatek said she was glad to have played such a great game.

“I really wanted to play solid and start the tournament with everything I was focusing on in practice for the whole week here. I’m happy that I could play such a great game, and with all the pressure and expectations, that I can just have fun on court. I just keep trying to remind myself that I want to develop as a player and that’s the most important thing for me. So, I’m trying to follow that and play my game no matter what.” Iga Swiatek said on-court after her victory, as per US Open.

How The Game Unfolded

Iga Swiatek seemed relaxed and even connected with some high-five with fans on the walkout. But when it was time to deliver, she swiftly engaged business mode.

The four-time Grand Slam champion looked dangerous from the start of the match. An ace in the opening point set the tone of the match, with Swiatek rushing her opponent forcing her to play extra shots with exquisite brick-wall defence.

Swiatek’s serving was just but amazing and she ended up winning her 42nd set of the season with a 6-0 or 6-1 scoreline. However, she did make a few errors at the start of the second set, which Rebecca rewarded herself with.

The Swede took the first game but Swiatek fought back to level the score 1-1. With momentum on her side, Swiatek went on to dominate Rebecca and race towards victory. She claimed the set with a 6-0 or 6-1 victory.

Following her victory, Swiatek hailed iconic American skiers Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin as huge inspirations.

Iga Swiatek has started her US Open title defence in a perfect way by defeating Rebecca Peterson in straight sets. Photo/ Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old Pole will play Australia’s Daria Saville in the next round. Saville, who is currently world No. 179, is working her way back up the rankings after being out for nine months due to surgery. She is determined and will definitely give Swiatek a hard time when they meet in round two of the US Open. Swiatek and Saville previously met at Adelaide 2022, where the former won 6-3 6-3.