I know how tennis works,” Iga Swiatek said earlier this week. “It doesn’t always depend on you if you win titles or not.”
“You just have to put hundred percent effort and commitment and you’ll get your chances.”
The second seed proved herself right in her 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-4 win over Linda Noskova on Wednesday. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that Swiatek and Noskova combined to prove her right.
Noskova, a 20-year-old Czech ranked 33rd, may be best known for how well she matches up with Swiatek. She beat her at the Australian Open last January, and lost two close three-setters to her later in the year. Noskova has an excellent serve, which partially negates one of Swiatek’s primary weapons, her return. And she’s one of the few players who can stand toe-to-toe with Iga from the baseline and beat her with pace.
