MY ACCOUNT
World number one Iga Swiatek cruised through her first test at the US Open by swatting away Jasmine Paolini 6-3 6-0 at Flushing Meadows.
The Polish star is chasing a third grand slam title, and her second of the year after triumphing at the French Open in June.
Having held top spot in the rankings since April in the wake of Ash Barty’s retirement, the 21-year-old is chasing her best result yet in New York, having reached the fourth round last year.
Against the unseeded Paolini, she made an impressive start to her quest at Louis Armstrong Stadium, with a near-flawless performance that saw her break her opponent seven times.
Swiatek showcased her ruthless streak barely a handful of minutes into the first set, rifling home three unanswered points on her first serve before promptly breaking the Italian for the first time.
Another break followed, before Paolini hit back to make matters 4-2, the only time she looked to seriously threaten the Pole’s dominance.
Swiatek responded with her third break in a row, before bouncing back from another lost service game to seal the first set.
With momentum on her side, the Roland Garros victor bulldozed her opponent across the second set – and though Paolini was able to save match point once, there was never any doubt who was heading through to round two.
Data Slam: Swiatek’s youthful spirit powers on
Having failed to live up to expectations to an extent when her 37-match winning streak came to an end at Wimbledon against Alize Cornet, and struggled for consistency on tour since, Swiatek responded in impressive fashion.
With 45 grand slam match wins under her belt now, she is the youngest woman to reach that number since Caroline Wozniacki did so at the 2011 Australian Open.
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Swiatek– 14/18
Paolini – 5/18
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Swiatek– 1/0
Paolini – 1/3
BREAK POINTS WON
Swiatek– 7/9
Paolini – 2/3
