Iga Swiatek showed her resilience and skill to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the Canadian Open following a challenging opening set against Karolina Pliskova.
In a gripping match, Swiatek overcame Pliskova with a final score of 7-6 (6), 6-2 on Wednesday night. This victory not only propelled her to the next round but also marked her 30th consecutive opening match win, solidifying her position as the World No.1.
As Swiatek gears up for her next challenge, she faces a crucial match against Karolina Muchova. Should she emerge victorious and progress to the quarterfinals, Swiatek will continue to hold the top ranking for a remarkable 72nd week. Muchova secured her place in the next round with a 7-5, 6-4 triumph over Sorana Cirstea. This anticipated rematch holds significance, having been preceded by a three-set final at Roland Garros earlier this year, with their head-to-head record tied at 1-all.
Reflecting on her recent victory, Swiatek acknowledged the challenges she faced and expressed her satisfaction with her performance. “Well, for sure it’s nice to have some challenges and overcome them,” Swiatek shared during the press conference after the match. She highlighted the complexities of adjusting to different continents and surfaces, further emphasizing the significance of her victory.
In a parallel match, world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka commenced her campaign at the Canadian Open with a compelling performance. She defeated Petra Martic, ranked No.35, with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5), securing her advancement to the Round of 16.
Sabalenka’s victory showcased her adaptability and determination, particularly during a challenging second set where Martic held a 3-0 lead and served for the set at 5-3. Reflecting on her match, Sabalenka acknowledged the difficulties posed by Martic’s playing style on the surface. “Especially on this surface, I was really struggling with all her slices. I think I need some time to adjust to this surface. I hope the next match I will play a little bit better, but overall, I’m just happy to get through this tough match,” Sabalenka remarked.
Sabalenka’s journey continues as she faces the 15th seed, Liudmila Samsonova, in her pursuit of a spot in the quarterfinals, which would mark her 10th quarterfinal appearance of the season.
As the Canadian Open unfolds, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate further gripping matches and remarkable performances as top players showcase their skills and determination on the court.
-IANS
