Iga Swiatek got her Indian Wells Masters title defence off to a flying start on Saturday as she crushed Claire Liu 6-0, 6-1.
The rout in just over an hour looked to be going love and love until the American managed to win a game to a big round of applause.
After leading 6-0, 5-0, the underdog finally got her game, with the top-seeded Swiatek closing it out moments later.
It was the fifth time this season that the world No. 1 from Poland has lost just one game in winning a match.
“Coming back after such a great result last year is something else,” Swiatek said.
“I wanted to get my level of energy up a little bit, because it’s the hardest thing to do when everything goes your way.
“For sure, Claire used that moment when I didn’t play as aggressive as I should have.
“But I’m pretty happy that I was able to close it out fast.”
Swiatek now stands a comfortable 13-3 on the season with all of her victories achieved in straight sets
The 6-0 first set was her sixth of 2023; Swiatek did not face a break point and lost just 11 points in seven service games.
