Iga Swiatek returned to winning ways at the Italian Open on Thursday, overpowering Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-0 in the second round at Rome’s Foro Italico. The world No. 2 from Poland readjusted quickly after a rare 6-1, 6-1 loss to the U.S.’s Coco Gauff in last week’s Madrid Open semifinals, attributing that setback to "personal stuff."
This victory extended Swiatek’s remarkable Roman splendour—she’s now 21-2 in Rome since 2021 and a three-time champion here. Despite not yet reaching a final on tour this year, her dominant display suggests the clay-court specialist is hitting her stride again.
"I felt like the ball was kind of listening to me today and I had full control over the match," Swiatek said. "You just need to continue the work you’ve been doing and not expect that it’s going to happen more often."
The Italian Open serves as the final big clay test before Roland Garros, where Swiatek has lifted four of her five Grand Slam trophies. Next up in Rome, she’ll face American Danielle Collins in what promises to be another high-intensity battle ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 25.
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Swiatek gets back on track in Rome after losing to Gauff in Madrid
cgtn.com
