Former US Open champion Iga Swiatek has successfully advanced to the third round of the US Open, demonstrating her prowess on the court with a decisive victory over Nadia Podoroska. The match took place on Thursday, marking a significant step for Swiatek in her quest for another Grand Slam title.
Swiatek, who has claimed six Grand Slam titles, including her victory at the US Open in 2022, faced Podoroska for the second time in their careers. The Polish star won the encounter with a score of 6-3, 6-2, continuing her strong performance from previous tournaments. Their last meeting was during the 2020 French Open, where Swiatek claimed her first Grand Slam title.
Despite a moment of tension at 5-3 in the first set, where Swiatek had to fend off four break points, she maintained control throughout the match. The former world number one broke Podoroska’s serve twice in the second set, establishing a commanding 5-1 lead. Swiatek sealed her victory with a powerful backhand after an hour and 11 minutes of play, showcasing her ability to close out matches effectively.
This victory adds to Swiatek's momentum as she continues to build on her recent success. After a challenging start to the season, where she did not reach a final until winning the title in Toronto in August, Swiatek is feeling optimistic about her game. "I’m here with better feeling than any other Grand Slam this year," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to enjoying the tournament and improving her performance daily.
In other notable matches during the tournament, Japan's Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, was also in action, competing against doubles world number one Katerina Siniakova. Osaka reached the semi-finals in New York last year, marking her best result since returning from maternity leave in 2023.
Meanwhile, Germany's Alexander Zverev, the men's top seed, was set to face Quentin Halys in the night session. Zverev, who won his first major title at Roland Garros in May, is looking to add a US Open title to his collection. He faced a tough battle in the first round, needing five sets to defeat Lorenzo Sonego, and will be hoping for a smoother match against Halys, who secured his first US Open victory in five attempts.
The night session also featured former champion Coco Gauff, currently ranked fourth in the world, taking on Spain's Paula Badosa, who has a winning record against Gauff. Additionally, 40-year-old Gael Monfils faced off against 20-year-old American Learner Tien, marking a clash between generations. Monfils, who is nearing retirement, aims to extend his Grand Slam career.
As the tournament progresses, Swiatek’s performance will be closely watched as she aims to reclaim her title and solidify her status as one of the top players in women's tennis.
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