Swiatek Starts U.S. Open Title Defense with Commanding Win Over Peterson
Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked player, launched her U.S. Open title defense with an emphatic victory on Monday, overpowering unseeded Swede Rebecca Peterson 6-0, 6-1 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Displaying her prowess, the four-time Grand Slam champion unleashed an impressive arsenal of 20 winners and four aces, solidifying her path to the second round where she is set to face Australian Daria Saville, as reported by Reuters.
Although Swiatek mentioned feeling somewhat fatigued after her semi-final exits in Montreal and Cincinnati earlier in the month, she exhibited no signs of weariness on the court. Commencing her U.S. Open campaign with an ace, she raced through the first set with unwavering energy.
While a fleeting sense of vulnerability surfaced for Swiatek in the initial stages of the second set, leading to a rise in unforced errors and a challenging triple break point, her resilient spirit shone through. Demonstrating her prowess, she delivered an unreturnable backhand shot to secure a break to love in the fourth game, reminding the Flushing Meadows crowd of her remarkable capabilities.
Peterson, who managed just two winners throughout the match, struggled to regain her composure as Swiatek maintained her relentless pace. A triumphant exclamation from Swiatek marked the conclusion of the match, as she sealed her victory with a scorching backhand down the line.
As the U.S. Open unfolds, Swiatek’s commanding performance sends a clear message to her competitors that her determination and skill remain undiminished on her quest to defend her title.
