BAD HOMBURG — World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has reached her first WTA Tour grass-court final after a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini at the Bad Homburg Open. The win marks a significant milestone for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who has long sought to translate her clay and hard-court dominance to grass.
Swiatek, who had never advanced beyond the quarterfinals on grass before this tournament, showcased her adaptability with a masterclass performance. The Polish star dismantled Paolini’s game in just 68 minutes, breaking the Italian’s serve five times and winning 70% of her first-serve points. "I’m really happy with my level today," Swiatek said in her post-match interview. "Grass has always been a challenge, but I’ve worked hard to feel more comfortable here."
A Breakthrough on Grass
Swiatek’s journey to the final has been a testament to her relentless improvement. After early exits at previous grass-court events, she arrived in Bad Homburg with a refined approach:
- Improved Serve: Swiatek has increased her first-serve percentage to 68% this week, up from 58% at last year’s Wimbledon.
- Aggressive Net Play: She has won 75% of net points, a significant jump from her usual baseline-heavy game.
- Adapted Footwork: Her movement on grass, once a weakness, has looked fluid and confident.
Paolini, fresh off her Roland Garros final appearance, struggled to counter Swiatek’s precision. "Iga was just too good today," Paolini admitted. "She played with so much confidence, and I couldn’t find my rhythm."
The Road to the Final
Swiatek’s path to the final included convincing wins over:
- Tatjana Maria (6-3, 6-2) – A tricky grass-court specialist
- Jil Teichmann (6-3, 6-1) – A left-handed opponent who tested her adaptability
- Donna Vekic (6-3, 6-4) – A seasoned grass-court player with powerful groundstrokes
Her performance against Vekic was particularly telling, as she neutralized the Croatian’s aggressive game with her trademark defensive skills. "I’ve been working on staying patient and not rushing points on grass," Swiatek explained. "It’s a different mentality, and I’m starting to understand it better."
What This Means for Wimbledon
With Wimbledon just days away, Swiatek’s Bad Homburg run sends a strong message to the field. Historically, she has struggled at the All England Club, with her best result being a fourth-round appearance in 2023. However, her current form suggests she could be a genuine contender this year.
Experts have taken note of her evolution. "Iga’s game has matured on grass," said former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli. "She’s no longer just a clay-court specialist. Her ability to adjust her tactics and maintain her intensity makes her dangerous on any surface."
The Final Challenge
In the final, Swiatek will face either Bianca Andreescu or Katerina Siniakova. Both players bring unique challenges:
- Andreescu: The 2019 US Open champion has a versatile game and thrives in big moments.
- Siniakova: A doubles specialist with sharp net skills and unpredictable shot-making.
Regardless of the opponent, Swiatek remains focused. "I’m just trying to enjoy the process," she said. "Every match on grass is a learning experience, and I’m excited for the final."
Conclusion: A New Chapter
Swiatek’s breakthrough in Bad Homburg is more than just another final—it’s a statement. After years of questions about her grass-court viability, she has silenced doubters with a commanding week. As she prepares for Wimbledon, the tennis world watches with renewed interest. "Iga’s always been a fighter," said her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. "Now, she’s proving she can fight on grass too."