Iga Swiatek opened her US Open 2026 campaign with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over China’s Wang Xiyu on Louis Armstrong Stadium to march into the second round.
Iga Swiatek Stamps Authority Early on Armstrong
World number two Iga Swiatek kicked off her US Open 2026 title bid with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over China’s Wang Xiyu on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Polish star delivered an assertive and disciplined first-round display, dictating the tempo from the baseline to dismiss any threat of an early-round upset in Flushing Meadows.
From the first exchange, Iga Swiatek established a rhythm with her heavy topspin forehand and precise lateral movement. Wang attempted to push the former champion back with aggressive flat hitting and deep first serves, but Swiatek’s court positioning quickly turned defense into offense. The Pole secured an early break in the fourth game, punishing short balls with sharp cross-court angles. Consistently applying pressure on Wang’s second delivery, Swiatek grabbed another break to claim the opening set 6-2 in just 34 minutes.
Wang Battles Hard as Polish Star Pulls Away
Wang regrouped at the start of the second set, utilizing her left-handed serve out wide and striking bold winners down the line to stay level through the opening four games. The Chinese contender forced several long baseline rallies, testing Swiatek’s patience and defensive endurance under the New York humidity. See also: Marta Kostyuk Powers Past Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-1
However, Iga Swiatek raised her intensity at the critical juncture. Stepping inside the baseline in the sixth game, the four-time French Open champion unloaded a pair of stinging backhand winners to earn the decisive break for a 4-2 advantage. Swiatek protected the lead with clean service games, neutralizing Wang’s power with exceptional depth and high bounce.
Composed Finish Seals Clean-Sheet Advance
Serving for the contest at 5-3, Swiatek maintained complete focus, firing an emphatic forehand winner on her first match point to close out the victory in one hour and 16 minutes.
The clinical straight-sets triumph sends a clear signal of form for Swiatek as she begins her quest for a second New York crown. With her baseline sharpness and footwork dialed in, the Polish superstar advances to the second round brimming with momentum and confidence.