After suffering an early exit in Tokyo, Iga Swiatek is back to winning ways at the 2023 China Open, overcoming a rather tricky 1st round matchup against Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Playing the Spaniard is never easy because of her distinct playstyle, which is very hard to break down. Swiatek did so effectively, though it was far from the crushing way she can defeat players. It was only in the 3rd service game of Sorribes Tormo that Swiatek finally got a break chance and broke her opponent's serve.
She would give it right back as the Spaniard did exceptionally well breaking up her rhythm, never allowing her to settle in the match she likes to play. Swiatek ultimately took the opening set 6-4 as her opponent couldn't withstand the pressure she brought every rally.
The Polish player looked a bit more sure in her game compared to last week in Tokyo, which she admitted was her not being 100 % ready. She also played better as the match went on, but that was mostly due to her getting used to what her opponent was doing.
Sorribes Tormo doesn't have the strongest serve, and Swiatek attacked her immediately, winning most of the points on the first serve. The second set opened with an early break for Swiatek, which was ideal as it allowed her to ice the match right then and there.
The reason why this match happened at all is the performance byes because generally, as the 2nd seed, the Polish number one would have started only in the second round. Didn't matter much because, like Sabalenka, Swiatek largely didn't have any major problems.
Neither player could really hold their serve in the second part of the second set, but ultimately, the Polish player pulled through. The final score was 6-4 6-3 for Swiatek who plays Varvara Gracheva next.
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