Warsaw Open: Iga Swiatek resumes 2023 with an opening-round win in Poland

Iga Swiatek began her campaign at home, at the Warsaw Open on Tuesday with a win. The world no. 1 was made to work for an hour and 35 minutes to clinch a 6-4, 6-3 win against Nigina Abduraimova. This is the first tournament the 22-year-old’s playing since losing in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, a couple of weeks ago.

Swiatek won 68% of her first-serve points to her opponent’s 65%. The top seed didn’t fare that great when it came to winning second-serve points, winning only 46%. However, she did win 62% of points on return on the Uzbek’s second serve. Of the 13 break points that came her way, Swiatek converted eight and went on to save six of the eight break points she faced. One of the break points Swiatek failed to save came in the business end of the second set when she was serving for the match in the eighth game.

Following her win, Swiatek said, “For sure, it’s pretty special tournament. It’s not an easy one to play, a little bit different stress than usual, but I’m happy for the chance to play in front of Polish crowds. First rounds, they aren’t easy, and anybody who knows a little bit about tennis, they’ll tell you that it’s a little bit harder to player at home. Coming from grass courts… for sure, I need to work on some stuff, but hopefully, I’m going to play better and better every day.”

Warsaw Open: Karolina Muchova’s also victorious

In the second round, the four-time Grand Slam champion will play either Claire Liu or Yue Yuan. Their match had to be postponed to Wednesday with the scores tied at four-all in the first set.

Meanwhile, Czechs in the draw, especially the second and third seeds, had divergent fortunes in the first round.

Heather Watson upset third seed Katerina Siniakova 7-5, 6-2 in their clash in an hour and 24 minutes. The Briton will play qualifier Yuliya Hatouka next. Hatouka defeated Frenchwoman Jessika Ponchet 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in their first-round meeting.

Lastly, second seed Karolina Muchova advanced to the second round of the Warsaw Open. The 2023 French Open finalist also needed three sets to get past Aliaksandra Sasnovich. After two hours and 32 minutes of play, Muchova fought from a set down to claim a 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-3 win.

Photo Credit: Warsaw Open Twitter