Swiatek outlasts Pliskova in Montreal debut

The number 1 in the world Iga Swiatek Wednesday achieved the first of two victories he needed to Montreal WTA 1000 to not rely on Aryna Sabalenka and ensure that she remains at the top of the ranking next week. The Pole won his debut in the second round Karolina Pliskova through 7-6(6) and 6-2 to enter the round of 16.

swiatekwho already found a rhythm on the hard courts two weeks ago in his title in Warsaw, he had some tough games on his serve in the first set and this meant that he could not open a gap against the difficult Czech player. The defending US Open champion broke twice in the first round, but quickly dropped his serve and was unable to capitalize on his advantage. So, they had to wait for the festival of ‘mini-breaks’ in the tie-break to win the first set 8-6.

The victory in the first set gave Swiatek confidence in the second, where he was more relaxed from the back track, He gained confidence in his serve and went 6-2 which allowed him to open his career in Canadian lands with success. Thus, Swiatek begins the American tour with a victory that will lead him in a few weeks to the start of his defense at the US Open.

Victory in this fight also allows Swiatek matched his result last year in Canada. Then, she fell in three sets in the round of 16 against Beatriz Haddad Maia, a result she will try to improve on Thursday. Canada (she finished eighth in her two previous appearances in 2019 and 2022) is, along with Cincinnati, the only WTA 1000 the Pole has contested in her career where she has not reached the quarterfinals, a curse she will try to break in his next match.

If he does, he’ll secure number 1 for another week. Of course, he won’t have an easy opponent at his next stop, as he will face the winner of the duel between Sorana Cirstea and Karolina Muchova. In the event of victory for the Czech, the last Roland Garros final will be given again.