When it comes to dominating on the tennis court, few players can match the precision and intensity of iga Swiatek. The Polish sensation delivered yet another masterclass at the rod Laver Arena on Thursday, defeating Slovakia’s Rebecca Šramková with a commanding scoreline of 6-0, 6-2. This victory not only showcased her relentless focus but also highlighted her ability to maintain composure even when the match seems too straightforward.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has been a consistent force in tennis this decade, reaching at least the third round in every major tournament. Her performance against Šramková was a testament to her strategic play and patience, qualities that have solidified her status as the second seed in the competition. Remarkably, she wrapped up the match in just one hour, leaving spectators in awe of her efficiency.
“I felt really solid today. It was a really efficient game,” Swiatek said after the match. “I’m happy that I kept my focus because sometimes you think in a way it seems a little bit easy and it might cause problems later on because your focus might be gone, but I’m happy that I kept it and I was solid.”
Her ability to remain sharp, even in moments of apparent ease, is a hallmark of her game. This discipline ensures she’s always prepared for tougher challenges as the tournament progresses. Swiatek’s approach to preparation is equally meticulous. “we try to think long-term,” she explained. “Yesterday I hit a little bit longer. Even though it rained, I was able to do that. So today I didn’t feel like I needed to practice more, but for sure, on Grand Slams, it’s great that you can work on some stuff between matches.”
Her intensity is unmatched. “I’m intense anyway. So even playing one-hour practise, it’s enough for me as I use every minute, and I’m 100 per cent there,” she added.
Šramková, on the other hand, faced an uphill battle from the start. the Slovakian player, who recently climbed to world No. 49 after a series of strong performances, including her first singles title in Hua Hin, found herself overwhelmed by Swiatek’s relentless pressure.This marked her first time advancing beyond the opening round in a major tournament, but the step up in competition proved too daunting. The first set was over in a mere 27 minutes, leaving Šramková shaking her head in disbelief.
Swiatek’s dominance in Grand Slam events is unparalleled. She has won an astounding 12% of her total sets 6-0, a feat only surpassed by legends Chris Evert and Margaret Court in the Open era. This statistic underscores her ability to control matches and dictate play with surgical precision.
As the tournament unfolds, swiatek’s focus remains unwavering.With each match, she continues to demonstrate why she’s one of the most formidable players on the circuit. Her ability to blend focus, preparation, and intensity makes her a force to be reckoned with, and fans can expect more thrilling performances as she progresses further in the competition.