ROME — Defending champion Iga Swiatek made a dominant start to her Italian Open campaign, cruising past Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets to reach the third round with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory.
The world No. 1 needed just 71 minutes to dismantle Cocciaretto on Court Centrale, showcasing her trademark precision and relentless baseline play. Swiatek, who lifted the trophy in Rome last year, extended her winning streak at the Foro Italico to nine matches and remains the heavy favorite to retain her title.
Swiatek’s performance was near-flawless from the outset, as she raced through the first set in just 22 minutes without dropping a game. Cocciaretto, ranked No. 51, struggled to find any rhythm against the Pole’s aggressive returns and deep groundstrokes. "I wanted to start strong and not give her any chances," Swiatek said post-match. "I knew the crowd would be behind her, so I focused on my game and didn’t let the atmosphere affect me."
Swiatek’s Dominance on Clay Continues
The 22-year-old has been virtually unstoppable on clay this season, having already secured titles in Stuttgart and Madrid. Her victory over Cocciaretto marked her 12th consecutive win on the surface, further cementing her status as the queen of clay. Key aspects of her dominance include:
- Relentless consistency – Swiatek has lost just 17 games across her last four matches.
- Elite movement – Her ability to slide and recover on clay remains unmatched.
- Mental toughness – She has won 90% of her matches as the world No. 1.
Cocciaretto briefly showed resistance in the second set, breaking Swiatek early to take a 2-1 lead. However, the top seed immediately responded with a ruthless five-game streak to close out the match. "I knew she would fight back, but I stayed calm and trusted my shots," Swiatek added.
Next Challenge: Yulia Putintseva
Swiatek will face Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in the third round, a player she has beaten in all three of their previous encounters. Putintseva advanced after a hard-fought three-set win over China’s Wang Xiyu. While Swiatek holds a perfect record against her, Putintseva’s unorthodox style and fighting spirit could pose a unique challenge.
Head-to-Head Advantage
Swiatek has dropped just one set to Putintseva in their previous meetings, all of which were on hard courts. Their lone clay encounter came in 2021 at Roland Garros, where Swiatek won comfortably 6-3, 6-1. "She’s a tricky opponent, but I know what to expect," Swiatek noted.
Road to the Title
With Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina also advancing, the Italian Open is shaping up to be another thrilling battle between the WTA’s top players. Swiatek, however, remains the clear frontrunner, having won three of the last four major clay-court tournaments. Her biggest threats include:
- Aryna Sabalenka – The Australian Open champion is in strong form.
- Coco Gauff – The US Open winner has improved on clay.
- Elena Rybakina – A Madrid finalist with powerful groundstrokes.
Swiatek’s next match against Putintseva is scheduled for Friday, with a potential quarterfinal clash against Madison Keys looming. Should she advance, a semifinal rematch with Sabalenka—who defeated her in Madrid—could be on the cards. "I’m taking it one match at a time," Swiatek emphasized.
Conclusion: Swiatek in Control
Swiatek’s ruthless efficiency against Cocciaretto sent a clear message to the rest of the field: she is the player to beat in Rome. With her confidence soaring and her game perfectly suited to clay, another deep run seems inevitable. As she chases her third Italian Open title, her biggest challenge may simply be maintaining her sky-high level against increasingly determined opponents.
The Pole’s ability to adapt and dominate under pressure makes her nearly unstoppable on her favorite surface. "I love playing here, and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment," she said with a smile.