World No. 1 Iga Swiatek subtly advancing in US Open
With Serena Williams in the spotlight for this US Open, Iga Swiatek’s victories are barely even going noticed, despite being WTA number one.
You may not have noticed, but WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek has been quietly advancing in the US Open. With all of the focus on Serena Williams, even the world’s number one tennis player is playing in her shadow.
“For sure, you can see the difference in Roland Garros and Wimbledon, when I came back from winning Roland Garros,” said Swiatek. “But I would say it doesn’t matter for me.”
Swiatek beat 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens on Thursday in the second round, 6-3, 6-2. That made her 50th win this season and she did it in just one hour and 14 minutes, making it look easy.
On Wednesday, Williams defeated No. 2 ranked Anett Kontaveit. No. 3 Maria Sakkari lost earlier that day, leaving No. 1 Swiatek as potential major competition to win the title. Serena and her sister, Venus played against Czech players Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova on Thursday, but lost 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the first round.
Swiatek is unfazed by the fact that Serena is getting all of the attention.
“It’s pretty obvious for me that she’s going to be in the spotlight in this tournament,” said Swiatek. “It’s kind of her time right now. I’m just playing and focusing on that and that’s the most important thing for me.”