Swiatek swats aside Wang for a winning start at US Open

Former champion Iga Swiatek, the former U.S. Open winner, began her 2023 campaign with a resounding victory over China's Wang Xiyu in the opening round of the tournament on Monday. The Polish player, the eighth seed, defeated Wang 6-2, 6-3 in an 88-minute match at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Swiatek, who secured her first title of the year in Toronto earlier this month and reached the Cincinnati semifinals, entered the US Open with an increased sense of confidence. She expressed her satisfaction after the match, stating, "For sure it was a good day in the office. I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity."

Wang, known for her deep shots and generous use of top-spin, posed a challenge for Swiatek. The 25-year-old player acknowledged the need for strength against such a playing style. "It’s nice to come to a Grand Slam after a couple of good results, especially because this swing is never one I’ve felt super comfortable at. I’ve made a lot of progress and I'm focused on improving the little things in my game," she added.

This win sets Swiatek up for a second-round matchup against Nadia Podoroska, who had earlier defeated Simona Waltert.