Iga Swiatek showed resilience and determination in her opening match at the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open, overcoming a dramatic collapse to eventually defeat Varvara Gracheva. After cruising to a 6-0, 5-2 lead, the world No. 1 shockingly squandered five match points, allowing Gracheva to push the match to a third set. Despite the setback, Swiatek regrouped and powered through to claim a 6-0, 6-7(8), 6-3 victory.
Reflecting on the second-set meltdown, Swiatek took full responsibility. “Honestly, I knew I had the game to win it because I had five match points. It was my fault that I didn’t close it. But it happens,” Swiatek admitted. She focused on resetting mentally for the decider, determined not to dwell on missed opportunities.
Starting the third set with a break, Swiatek briefly faltered again, but she quickly shifted into high gear to win four consecutive games and end Gracheva’s comeback hopes. The victory marked a successful transition for Swiatek, who recently competed on clay at the Paris Olympics and is now adjusting to the fast-paced hard courts of Cincinnati.
“For sure, the transition is probably the hardest, from like the slowest surface [at Roland Garros] to the fastest surface. But that’s why I’m still happy with my performance,” Swiatek noted, emphasizing her focus on continued improvement rather than immediate results.
Swiatek will next face Marta Kostyuk as she looks to secure a spot in the Cincinnati quarterfinals.
Photo from Iga Swiatek Instagram
