Home sweet home: Swiatek wins in Warsaw

Iga Swiatek resurfaced for the first time since Wimbledon with the Polish world No. 1 starting with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Uzbeki Nigina Abduraimova.on Tuesday in Warsaw.

Swiatek last played in a Wimbledon quarter-final loss to Elina Svitolina on the SW 19 grass two weeks ago.

The top seed posted victory in 75 minutes as she aims for a fourth trophy of the season, breaking her No. 182 opponent’s serve five times.

“For sure, it’s a pretty special tournament. It’s not an easy one to play, a little bit different stress than usual,” Swiatek said. 

“But I’m happy for the chance to play in front of Polish crowds.

“First rounds, they aren’t easy, and anybody who knows a little bit about tennis, they’ll tell you that it’s a little bit harder to play at home.

“Coming from grass … I need to work on some stuff, but hopefully, I’m going to play better and better every day.”

The Pole won the last 11 games of the match, with Abduraimova double-faulting 10 times and facing 13 break points.

Main photo: Elena Svitolina beat Iga Swiatek in fourth round at Wimbledon 2023 – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd