WHAT HAPPENED: Like the majority of all-time greats, Iga Swiatek is the expert at guiding herself through Grand Slams by finding an extra gear or extra grit in the face of adversity.
On Thursday at the 2025 US Open, the world No. 2 was dominant in the opening exchanges, before fending off a gallant fightback from world No. 66 Suzan Lamens, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 during the edge-of-the-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium opener.
The player’s warm-up was kick-started with David Bowie’s classic ‘‘Let Dance’ blaring out and Swiatek certainly did just that.
The squeak of her box-fresh sneakers signalled the trademark Swiatek multi-step footwork, the 24-year-old maneuvered into the prime position to connect with a drilled drive volley for a rapid 2-0 scoreline.
Lamens is contesting all four Grand Slam main draws this season for the very first time, whereas Swiatek recently collected a sixth major trophy on the pristine lawns of Wimbledon.
That stark contrast of experience was telling in a rapid-fire opener.
Into the second set, the Dutch No.1 scooped a backhand lob over the world No. 2 with great composure, but moments later was broken to give Swiatek a set and 2-1 lead.
The Lamens support team broke into laughter, they loved this audacious skill, when the 26-year-old clipped a second backhand lob over the 2022 champion to break back. That was the catalyst, the world No. 66 elevated her game, while Swiatek stumbled without any rhythm, particularly on serve.
The second set fell away alarmingly quickly for the six-time major winner, but the champion instincts soon clicked in.
It was nothing flashy or risky from the No. 2 seed. Swiatek capitalized upon consecutive Lamens double faults to break 2-1 in front again. A razor-sharp hold followed moments later and Swiatek had rubber stamped her authority once again.
Lamens was undeterred, erasing match point at 5-3 to continue to stick with the former champion.
That extra gear, that extra grit arrived, Swiatek serve it out to grasp the Round 3 ticket.
WHAT IT MEANS: Never doubt Swiatek. Of course, those words are pretty obvious considering what the Pole has achieved over the past sevens seasons on Tour.
The world No. 2, bidding to become the first woman to win Wimbledon and US Open singles in the same calendar year since Serena Williams in 2012, will be relieved to escape.
“I felt like it depended on me, whether I’m going to make mistakes or not. I probably got a little tight in the second set and she for sure used the opportunity,” Swiatek admitted. “In the third set I needed to be more precise.
“I also remember playing as a not favorite and sometimes it can give you extra motivation. You have nothing to lose.
“It wasn’t an easy match, I’m happy at the end I could be more proactive.
“Just being under pressure a bit, figuring it out, problem-solving, it's always something you can take from a match like that. I'll focus on that.”
In doing so, the 2022 US Open winner advances to face No. 29 seed Anna Kalinskaya in Round 3, who she toppled in straight sets just 13 days ago en route to WTA 1000 glory in Cincinnati.
MATCH POINT: Swiatek’s Grand Slam greatness is illustrated in her latest 24-2 tally (6-1 in New York City) when competing in major Round 2 rumbles.
She last lost at this stage of a Grand Slam at the 2019 US Open to No.12 seed Anastasija Sevastova across three sets.
Now that is major consistency.
