Iga Swiatek opens US Open campaign with routine win over Wang Xiyu

In her first match at the 2026 US Open, eighth seed Iga Swiatek defeated Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3 in just 72 minutes. The Polish player continues to impress on North American hard courts following her title in Toronto and semi-final appearance in Cincinnati. Wang Xiyu, ranked outside the top 100, plays heavy topspin from the back of the court – a style similar to Swiatek’s. However, Swiatek dictated the match with superior depth and power, forcing Wang out of her comfort zone. In the first set, Swiatek broke early for a 3-1 lead and closed out the set 6-2. The second set followed a similar pattern. Swiatek remained focused, sealed the decisive break in the eighth game, and won 6-3. Notably, she faced no significant challenges on serve, although detailed statistics were not released immediately after the match. Speaking afterward, Swiatek said: “I tried to keep high energy and intensity and handle her topspin well. This surface has never been comfortable for me, but I have learned to adapt better.” With this victory, Swiatek confirms her status as a major contender for a seventh Grand Slam title. Her improved hard-court game is evident, but experts remain cautious. The match did not test her ability to deal with big servers or flat hitters – areas where she has historically struggled, particularly against players like Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. In the second round, Swiatek will face Nadia Podoroska, a clay-court specialist who reached the 2026 Roland Garros semi-finals. On hard courts, the gap between the two is substantial, though Podoroska could cause an upset if Swiatek falters. Looking ahead, Swiatek may meet Sabalenka in the quarter-finals – arguably her toughest rival at the moment. But with consistent form and an experienced coaching team, Swiatek is well placed for a deep run. In the 2026 season, Swiatek has won the French Open for the fourth time, triumphed in Toronto, and reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati. This string of results indicates she is peaking at the right moment. She needs to defend semi-final points from last year, but recent success gives her a comfortable ranking buffer. Swiatek stated she is not focusing on seedings but taking it one match at a time – a calm approach that has served her well at Grand Slams. As for Wang Xiyu, the Chinese player had a short campaign in New York. She struggled to cope with Swiatek’s consistent pressure and lacked the power to trouble her opponent. The real test for Swiatek begins in the second round. If she maintains the level she showed in the first match, she can expect a long stay at Flushing Meadows.