Iga Swiatek Reflects on Her Performance and Evolving Playing Style
Iga Swiatek expressed satisfaction with her commanding performance against Sorana Cirstea in her Doha opener, highlighting her growth as a player and addressing claims of her evolving style. After a surprising third-round loss at the Australian Open, Swiatek returned to form in Doha, dismantling world No. 22 Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1 to kick off her…
Iga Swiatek expressed satisfaction with her commanding performance against Sorana Cirstea in her Doha opener, highlighting her growth as a player and addressing claims of her evolving style.
After a surprising third-round loss at the Australian Open, Swiatek returned to form in Doha, dismantling world No. 22 Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1 to kick off her title defense in impressive fashion.
Despite missing two break points early on, Swiatek maintained her focus and secured the opening set with ease. She continued her dominance in the second set, winning six consecutive games to seal the victory in just over an hour. Throughout the match, Swiatek denied Cirstea any break point opportunities while capitalizing on her own, showcasing her dominance on the court.
Reflecting on her performance, Swiatek acknowledged her satisfaction, emphasizing her ability to maintain focus throughout the match. She credited her solid play to her improved offensive game, a facet of her style she has been diligently working on since 2022.
Responding to claims from fellow players that she has become more aggressive on the court, Swiatek explained that while she has indeed embraced a more offensive approach, she is still learning to balance it with her defensive strengths. She highlighted the importance of adapting her game to different surfaces and situations, with guidance from her astute coach.
Swiatek also addressed concerns about her forehand, which had been targeted by opponents in previous matches. Against Cirstea, however, she showcased improvement, attributing it to dedicated practice sessions with her team.
Additionally, Swiatek noted the differences in court speed between Doha and Melbourne Park, where the surfaces vary in pace, influencing gameplay strategies.
Looking ahead, Swiatek awaits the outcome of the match between No. 14 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and Erika Andreeva for her round-of-16 opponent. Regardless of her opponent, Swiatek remains the favorite, poised to continue her impressive run in Doha.
