Iga Swiatek got off to a winning start in Wuhan and immediately called for change…
The Pole made a swift return to action at the Wuhan Open after Swiatek lost to Emma Navarro in Beijing.
Taking on Czechia’s Marie Bouzkova in her Wuhan debut, Swiatek produced a dominant display, sealing her place in the third round with a 6-1, 6-1 win.
There she will play either Belinda Bencic or Elise Mertens on Thursday, October 9.
Speaking on court in the immediate aftermath of her second-round win, Swiatek called for tournament organizers to make a change to the Wuhan Open schedule.
Iga Swiatek hopes matches will be scheduled sensibly to ensure player safety in the Wuhan heat
During her post-match interview, Swiatek had this to say about the conditions in Wuhan.
“Honestly, I think it’s getting hotter in different places over the years,” she said.
“I already experienced that in Cincinnati this year. I’m just trying to use my experience, recover well between the points, and spend all my energy on having the best quality possible, but for sure, it’s a challenge.
“I’m happy I didn’t play yesterday because I think it was too much for most of the players.
“I hope our matches will be scheduled… on Centre Court it’s a little bit cooler because of the air conditioning and everything, but I hope the other matches will be scheduled at a time where girls can really compete rather than just die on the court.”
Conditions in China have been unbearable for the stars of the ATP and WTA Tours over recent weeks.
After a wave of withdrawals in Shanghai, two players have already retired mid-match in Wuhan.
- 1R – Jelena Ostapenko retired down 0-6, 1-2 against Sorana Cirstea
- 2R – Emma Raducanu retired down 1-6, 1-4 against Ann Li
Swiatek doesn’t want to see matches played during the hottest hours of the day, as she considers the health of her WTA rivals.
The six-time Grand Slam winner wants to see things change in Wuhan, but insists she is happy to be there, as she makes her first career appearance at the tournament.
“It’s nice to play in a city I’ve never been to. It’s something new and I really appreciate that because with the repetition of the tour, I’m really happy to be here in Wuhan and get to know the city, and happy with the performance as well,” said Swiatek.
She also took the time to thank the Wuhan fans for their support during her dominant win over Bouzkova.
“Thank you guys for coming, I already saw in Beijing how amazing the Chinese fans are,” said Swiatek.
“Thank you for supporting me, it’s really great, I think we all need a little bit of pumping up at the end of the season, so I’m really happy to have you, and I hope you will come to my next matches.”
Swiatek certainly looked ‘pumped up’ against the world number 41, as she provided a ‘clinical’ display for those in attendance.
Jill Craybas says Iga Swiatek was ‘just too good’ in her Wuhan debut
Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, former American tennis star Jill Craybas gave her verdict on Swiatek’s second-round win.
“Really just a clinical performance from [Iga] Swiatek, she’s definitely got to be pleased with that, making her debut here in Wuhan,” she said.
“Playing a player with incredible ability to frustrate her opponents with her consistency, her movement. Swiatek just took her game away from her, didn’t allow her to get into those long rallies.
“I said from the start she was just so on top of the baseline, rushing Bouzkova from the beginning, didn’t back down, kept that up the entire match, and it was tough for Bouzkova to get her foot in the door in that match.”
Craybas did, however, commend Bouzkova for her attitude, as she smiled and waved to the fans while walking off the court.
“I think she will understand that Swiatek was just on today, she was feeling it. She was moving her around the court the entire time,” she said.
“Bouzkova always has that good attitude; she’s one of the best, I feel, at being able to assess and let it go quickly.
“She doesn’t let losses linger, which is a huge asset to have. But Swiatek was just too good.”
Whether Swiatek will prove to be ‘too good’ for the rest of the Wuhan Open field remains to be seen, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
