In the opening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance as she kicked off her US Open title defense with a resounding victory over Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson. The Polish player started strong, winning the first set with a bagel, and continued her momentum throughout the match.
Swiatek’s performance was marked by her powerful shots and precise execution. She fired off an impressive 20 winners and served four aces, leaving Peterson struggling to keep up. Despite admitting feeling fatigue from her recent semifinal losses in Montreal and Cincinnati, Swiatek displayed no lack of energy as she effortlessly cruised through the match.
While Swiatek dominated the first set, she encountered a brief moment of vulnerability early in the second set. Accumulating unforced errors, she faced triple break point in the first game. However, the resilient player quickly regained her composure and showcased her champion mentality by clawing her way back and turning the game in her favor.
Throughout the match, Swiatek demonstrated why she has held the World No. 1 ranking since April 2022. In the fourth game of the second set, she hit an unreturnable backhand shot to break Peterson’s serve, extending her 10-point winning streak. Her brilliance on the court left the crowd at Flushing Meadows in awe.
On the other hand, Peterson struggled to find her rhythm and regain her composure after Swiatek’s relentless attack. Only producing two winners throughout the match, she was unable to match Swiatek’s firepower. Ultimately, Swiatek closed out the match with a scorching backhand down the line, sealing her victory with style.
After the match, Swiatek expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating that she wanted to start the tournament with a solid game and focus on all the aspects of her practice. Despite the pressure and expectations as the top-ranked player, she emphasized her ability to have fun on the court, showcasing her positive mindset.
In another surprising turn of events, No. 8 seed Maria Sakkari suffered an early exit from the US Open. She was defeated 6-4, 6-4 by Rebeka Masarova. Masarova capitalized on all three break-point opportunities she had during the 87-minute encounter, securing her first career win over a top-10 player.
The opening day of the US Open proved to be filled with thrilling matches and surprising results. Swiatek’s dominant victory set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. As the defending champion, she has once again demonstrated her prowess on the court, making her a formidable contender for the title. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more intense battles and unforeseen outcomes.
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