Iga Swiatek Crushes Russian Grand Slam Finalist In Rome
Locker Room
May 12, 2023
Iga Swiatek made a dramatic statement of intent in the Italian capital as she set out to defend her title.
The talented Pole served up a double bagel to Anastasia Pavlyunchenkova with some truly tasty tennis.
It’s hard enough to win 6-0, 6-0 against any level of opponent.
But Swiatek managed to register the perfect score against a Roland Garros 2021 finalist.
Iga Swiatek is going to send shockwaves through Wimbledon 2023 if she continues her European summer like this.
She has now won twelve consecutive matches in the Eternal City.
And unlike Iga, the conditions were far from perfect at the Foro Italico.
Swiatek adapted to the wind far better than her shocked opponent – and never looked back after taking the initiative.
Pavlyunchenkova did manage to save six set points in the opener, before finally bowing to the inevitable.
The second set was a romp – and the entire contest was done and dusted in just 67 minutes.
By that time, Iga had struck nineteen relaxed winners – the same number of unforced errors committed by the loser.
It all suggests Swiatek is favourite to win Rome once more. Particularly after Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out by the brilliant American, Sofia Kenin.
The underdog took that match 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, as in-form Sabalenka ran out of steam after recent exertions.
Classy Kenin won the Australian Open in 2020 and reached the Roland Garros final that same year.
Her start in Rome could give her back all the confidence she needs to hit fresh heights for the USA.
But she’ll have to reach an extraordinary level to deny Swiatek her glory again on Italian clay.
Iga Swiatek must surely start Wimbledon 2023 as one of the big favourites too!
She’s a former Junior Wimbledon champion – and it must be only a matter of time before she clicks on grass again.
There’ll be plenty of Polish fans at the All England Club to cheer Swiatek in July.
And it’s not unusual for Polish-Americans to cross the Atlantic in numbers to support their tennis heroes too.
For now, however, Swiatek will enjoy Rome and her impressive build-up to the French Open.
This was the perfect way to begin – as she seeks to take her third successive title in arguably the world’s most beautiful city.
What can Iga Swiatek achieve at Wimbledon 2023?
Amazingly she hasn’t been past the fourth round yet, at the most important Grand Slam of them all.
But we’re convinced this could be Swiatek’s year.
Will you be at Wimbledon 2023 to cheer Iga on?
We can land you some of the best seats in the house – and we’re just a phone call away.