Poland Open: Iga Świątek’s great comeback and a sensational defeat

There were no surprises in the match between the two Polish women in the first round of the WTA tournament on the courts in Warsaw. World No.1 Iga Świątek defeated Magdalena Fręch 6:1, 6:2. Her next opponent was also Romanian Gabriela Lee, whom she also defeated 6:3, 6:2 in the 1/8 finals of the WTA tournament on the courts in Warsaw.

In the quarterfinals, the Pole faced Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia. The WTA ranking leader sensationally lost 1:6, 6:1, and 4:6 to the Frenchwoman in the quarterfinals.

Iga Świątek returned to the court in great style after a nearly month-long break. It was her first match since the unexpected defeat on July 2 against Frenchwoman Alize Cornets in the third round of Wimbledon. The world-ranking leader dominated throughout the encounter, but the result does not fully reflect the course of events.

Iga Swiatek (Poland, 1) – Magdalena Fręch (Poland) 6:1, 6:2

Despite the significant difference between the world-ranking leader and 146th-ranked Lee, the beginning of the match was very even. Świątek confidently won games on her serve, while the Romanian ambitiously defended on her serve. It was only in the end that the Pole took control of the course of the set, broke her rival and then won 6:3.

Iga Świątek (Poland, 1) – Gabriela Lee (Romania) 6:3, 6:2

Iga Świątek was the overwhelming favourite of the tournament played on the ground courts in Warsaw. Friday’s quarterfinal, however, from the beginning did not go as planned for the two-time Grand Slam French Open triumpher. The first set unexpectedly fell smoothly to Caroline Garcia. The Pole managed to win only one game.

Iga Świątek (Poland, WTA 1) – Caroline Garcia (France, WTA 45) 1:6, 6:1, 4:6