Iga Swiatek began her Korea Open campaign with a convincing performance.
Entering the tournament as the clear favorite, Swiatek took on Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in round two.
Securing the win in straight sets, Swiatek defeated Cirstea, 6-3, 6-2, booking her place in the quarterfinals.
The Pole looked comfortable throughout as she bounced back from her US Open defeat to Amanda Anisimova in style.
After the match, Swiatek highlighted the differences between the US Open and Korea Open.
Iga Swiatek says the conditions in Korea are ‘much different’ from those at the US Open
During her post-match interview, Swiatek had this to say about the conditions in Korea.
“The conditions are much different from our last tournament, so I’m happy that I could adjust quickly,” she said.
“I really love it here, it’s always beautiful when it’s not raining.
“It feels amazing, especially because of you guys. Thank you for coming and supporting us. “
Swiatek was then asked about competing in Korea, 37 years after her father appeared at the 1988 Olympic Games.
“The Olympics in 1988 were the highlight of his career, and he’s been telling me stories about it since me and my sister were kids, so I’m happy to explore the city,” she said.
“He’s talked about being here as a great adventure.
“I play a different sport, but we’re still at the Olympic venue, and I’m surprised by how the whole city is still appreciating the Olympic tradition, and I think it’s great because this is the best event the world has. Playing here is an honor, and maybe next year my dad will come.”
What event did Tomasz Swiatek compete in at the 1988 Olympics?
Tomasz Swiatek, Swiatek’s father, competed in the men’s quadruple sculls rowing event at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
The Poles made it through to the semifinals but failed to finish in the top six, as they were moved to ‘Final B’.
Winning their final, Poland finished seventh out of 13 teams at the 1988 Olympics.
1988 Olympics men’s quadruple sculls classification
- 1. Italy
- 2. Norway
- 3. East Germany
- 4. Soviet Union
- 5. Australia
- 6. West Germany
- 7. Poland
- 8. Netherlands
- 9. Canada
- 10. Hungary
- 11. Czechoslovakia
- 12. Argentina
- 13. USA
Swiatek may have missed out on a medal then, but received the ‘Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta’ in 2020, recognizing his efforts in promoting Poland in the international arena.
Only time will tell if his daughter can finish what he started, and pick up a title in Seoul…
Iga Swiatek’s route to the 2025 Korea Open title
Swiatek will return to the court on Friday to take on either Emma Raducanu or Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals.
Number-three seed Clara Tauson or Maya Joint would then await her in the semis should she advance.
The bottom half of the draw isn’t quite as competitive, although the second seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova, could prove to be a real threat.
Swiatek will be looking to pick up her third title of the season in Korea, which would move her level with America’s Jessica Pegula.
| Rank | Player | Titles | Biggest title |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | 4 | US Open (Grand Slam) |
| 2 | Jessica Pegula | 3 | Charleston Open/Bad Homburg Open (WTA 500) |
| T-3 | Iga Swiatek | 2 | Wimbledon (Grand Slam) |
| T-3 | Madison Keys | 2 | Australian Open (Grand Slam) |
| T-3 | Mirra Andreeva | 2 | Dubai Tennis Championships/Indian Wells (WTA 1000) |
| T-3 | Elise Mertens | 2 | Singapore Open/Libema Open (WTA 250) |
| T-3 | McCartney Kessler | 2 | Hobart International/Nottingham Open (WTA 250) |
| T-3 | Maya Joint | 2 | Morocco Open/Eastbourne Open (WTA 250) |
Only time will tell if Swiatek can go all the way and win her third title of the year at the Korea Open, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Swiatek will play Raducanu or Krejcikova in the quarterfinals on Friday, September 19.
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