Swiatek Joins Elite Group with 26 Consecutive Grand Slam Third Rounds
Iga Swiatek has become only the third woman in the Open era to reach the third round at 26 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, joining Martina Navratilova (35) and Conchita Martinez (30) in this achievement.
Swiatek Dominates Pliskova to Defend Wimbledon Title
Continuing her Wimbledon title defence, Polish world number three Iga Swiatek delivered a commanding straight-sets victory over former finalist Karolina Pliskova to reach the third round. Following this, former champion Elena Rybakina also produced a dominant performance.
Swiatek, who had an emotional three-set win over Taylor Townsend in her opening match on Tuesday, appeared much more composed in her second-round match. The 25-year-old started strongly against 2021 runner-up Pliskova and maintained control throughout.
"I'm feeling more stable today - and that's good," Swiatek told the crowd after her 6-1, 6-3 win in 69 minutes.
"The first round was really emotional for sure, but today I felt like it was another day in the office and I needed to be ready, be in charge and make good decisions.
It is always better when you're able to think like that and it was a good day for me. I was consistent and I had a good level of focus, so I'm really happy with my performance."
Rybakina Advances with Convincing Win
Elena Rybakina took two minutes longer than Swiatek but lost one fewer game, as the 2022 Wimbledon champion from Kazakhstan defeated American Caty McNally 6-1, 6-2. Rybakina, ranked world number two, had a challenging first-round match against France's Lois Boisson but faced no such difficulties on Centre Court this time. She will next face Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens.
Rybakina is not only aiming to defend her Wimbledon title but also has the opportunity to overtake Aryna Sabalenka as the world number one with a deep tournament run.
Anisimova Survives Tight Match to Reach Third Round
Sixth seed Amanda Anisimova, who had previously defeated Sabalenka but lost decisively to Swiatek in last year's final, narrowly advanced to the third round. She prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10-3) against fellow American Sofia Kenin in a tense 10-point match tie-break. Anisimova will next face compatriot Madison Keys, who eliminated Briton Katie Swan.
Fery Keeps British Hopes Alive
British hopes remain alive as Fery reached the third round, continuing the nation's presence in the tournament.
Swiatek’s Performance Rated by Navratilova
Swiatek, a six-time major winner, started the match strongly, winning 16 of the first 17 points and quickly establishing a four-game lead against Pliskova. Despite some struggles on serve in the fifth game, including two double faults that allowed Pliskova to break back, Swiatek regained control to take the first set in 25 minutes, winning 26 of 35 points.
In the second set, Pliskova broke early to lead 2-0 as Swiatek’s serve faltered again. However, Pliskova was unable to consolidate the break, committing a double fault on break point in the following game. Another double fault two games later gave Swiatek the break she needed, and she closed out the match by winning six of the final seven games.
After the match, 18-time major winner Martina Navratilova rated Swiatek’s performance as an A+.
Swiatek responded, "When legends like that say nice things about you, it means a lot. It is basically why you try to be the best tennis player possible, so that people appreciate it.
I don't know if it was an A+ because at times it was a tricky game. I felt like I played so many dirty shots in that final game especially, I wasn't able to control them that much.
So maybe not A+, more like B, I would say."
Swiatek Extends Grand Slam Consistency Record
This victory extended Swiatek’s record of not losing before the third round at a Grand Slam since the 2019 US Open. She remains the only woman to have reached the third round at all 26 Grand Slam events held this decade.
However, Swiatek was eliminated at the third round stage of this year’s French Open, a tournament where she had previously won four titles in six years. She will now aim to avoid a similar outcome against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines.
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