WHAT HAPPENED: Arriving at the US Open as the world No. 1 for the first time, Iga Swiatek is the ultimate target for the draw.
But to achieve what Swiatek has accomplished in 2022, being at the top is about twisting everything into a positive.
Expectations and pressure brushed aside, the Pole found her stride to accelerate into the second round with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Jasmine Paolini on Day 2 of the Grand Slam.
“I think I just found my rhythm [and] could make her run a little bit more," Swiatek said on court. "I know she has great touch, so I wanted to use my angles and I think I did that pretty well... I needed to take it up to another level. I did that at the end and in second set, so I'm pretty proud of that.
“I like playing these first matches because it’s a pretty good test for me and [I] can really find my rhythm. The last tournaments I’ve started with byes, which is great, but sometimes it’s pretty weird to play an opponent who has already played matches. Right now, we start from an even position and it’s pretty cool because I can really implement what I’ve been working on in practices.”
The top seed collected eight consecutive points, punctuated by some computer game returns lasering towards the Italian’s toes, for an early break lead.
On average this season, Swiatek wins half of her return games. That stat was backed up when the Pole scuttled to adjust her footwork from a net cord to connect with a glorious angled backhand winner to post a double break advantage for 4-1.
Paolini kept launching into her shots and wrestled back the initiative to stay in contention, but each time trouble loomed, Swiatek responded with venom.
All of a sudden two volleys on the stretch and Swiatek snatched away the set with her fourth break of serve.
The 21-year-old is like a sprinter off the mark and reached a Paolini drop shot to fire away a backhand putaway. A bullet return winner down the line and Swiatek was cruising at 2-0 up.
The world No. 1 had found that extra gear and will have the rest of the draw worried with some of the ease of striking.
Blowing a kiss towards the broadcast camera, it was pure positivity for the Pole.
WHAT IT MEANS: Iga is back on track. Earlier this season, the 21-year-old compiled a mesmerizing 37-match winning streak to lift up six titles. Since Roland Garros, the Pole had recorded 4-8 in match play. Second-round exits in Toronto (bowing to Beatriz Haddad Maia) and the US Open Series event in Cincinnati (losing to Madison Keys) ignited some over-the-top concerns. However, this was an emphatic response and, on this showing, Swiatek is primed to be the first Polish woman to reach the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows in the Open Era.
With Swiatek’s sustained success comes increased attention—and scrutiny—but seeing herself in an ad on the huge screens in New York City brings a smile to her face.
“I saw that [in] pictures. I was twice in Times Square in my life, and it was weird. I'm going to enjoy that just from my phone,” said the top seed, adjusting to life in the limelight.
“Probably the most popular place I had my face on, so it's pretty amazing. Just trying to enjoy that because I remember times where it was pretty hard for anybody to see me or hear me. It just shows how much progress I have done on court, but also off-court that I am in such a spot. So I'm pretty grateful.”
MATCH POINT: The world No. 1 has ruthlessly amassed 18 sets—yes, you read that right, 18—with a 6-0 scoreline in 2022. With the latest helping secure a second-round ticket, it’s an ominous sign for Greet Minnen or Sloane Stephens on Thursday.
