Iga Swiatek put on a dominant display as she breezed past qualifier Danielle Collins in a straight-set victory at the Cincinnati Open. The third-seeded Swiatek broke Collins’s serve seven times and faced only two break points herself, closing out the match in just 59 minutes with a score of 6-1 6-0. Speaking in her on-court interview, Swiatek expressed her satisfaction with her solid performance and minimal unforced errors. She emphasized her preference for this playing style, as it allowed her to maintain confidence and take a proactive approach throughout the match.
The match quickly swung in Swiatek’s favor as she built a commanding 3-0 lead in the first set. After both players exchanged service breaks, Swiatek held her serve to love and then secured her fourth break of the set to take it convincingly. The second set was a similar story, with Swiatek remaining fully focused and in control. She effortlessly cruised to victory, not breaking a sweat and concluding the match with a break to love. Swiatek’s performance showcased her skills and affirmed her status as the world’s number one player.
Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula, the third seed in the tournament, faced a tough challenge in her opening match. Pegula recently emerged victorious at the Canadian Open but struggled initially against Italian qualifier Martina Trevisan. After losing the first-set tiebreak, Pegula displayed her quality in the second set, eventually racing to a 3-0 lead in the decisive third set. Ultimately, Pegula secured a gritty 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3 win, marking her 27th hardcourt victory of the year.
In other matches, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, the tenth seed from the Czech Republic, defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-4 6-2. Russian player Daria Kasatkina, the fourteenth seed, also emerged victorious against lucky loser Varvara Gracheva with a score of 6-3 6-1. These results showcased the depth and competitiveness within the tournament.
Overall, the Cincinnati Open provided spectators with an exciting display of tennis. Swiatek’s dominant performance against Collins highlighted her mastery of the game, while Pegula’s resilience and determination allowed her to secure a hard-fought victory. The tournament also saw notable wins for Vondrousova and Kasatkina, further intensifying the competition. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing more thrilling matches and memorable moments.
