World No. 1 Iga Świątek faced a tough challenge in her return to hard courts after nearly five months, battling past Varvara Gracheva in the second round of the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. While Świątek eventually emerged victorious, her journey was far from easy.
Świątek opened the match with authority, dominating the first set in just 22 minutes dropping a game and allowing Gracheva only eight points. Holding a commanding 6-0, 5-2 advantage in the second set, it looked as though she would cruise into the third round. However, Gracheva, ranked 69th globally, mounted a determined comeback, forcing a tie-break and winning it to prolong the match.
In the decisive third set, Świątek regrouped and quickly reasserted control. This time, she maintained her lead, closing out the match with a 6-0, 6-7(8), 6-2 victory after two hours and 11 minutes on the court. With this hard-fought win, Świątek advances to the third round.
Up next for Świątek is a clash with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who secured her spot in the third round with wins over Lulu Sun and Elise Mertens.
Iga Świątek – Varvara Gracheva 2-1 (6-0, 6-7, 6-2)