Iga Swiatek’s tenacity prevails once again, as the World No. 2 battled through a challenging match to secure her place in the US Open fourth round. In a display of mental fortitude and resilience, Swiatek overcame a significant deficit to defeat Anna Kalinskaya, the No. 29 seed, with a score of 7-6 (2), 6-4, according to official match reports from USOpen.org. The thrilling third-round encounter unfolded on Saturday night, August 30, 2025, under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Swiatek’s Comeback Victory
The match, lasting nearly two hours, showcased Swiatek’s ability to weather intense pressure. Kalinskaya started strong, surging to a 5-1 lead in the opening set and holding four set points, threatening an early upset. As reported by the WTA, Swiatek mounted a remarkable comeback, winning six of the next seven games and ultimately dominating the tiebreak 7-2. Swiatek acknowledged the difficulty of the match in a post-match interview, stating, “Honestly, Anna was playing great. She was playing all these risky balls in like she once did against me in Dubai,” as quoted by several sources, including The Statesman and Hindustan Times.
The second set, while still hard-fought, saw Swiatek gain better control. The pivotal moment arrived in the ninth game when Kalinskaya’s 11th double fault of the match presented Swiatek with a break point, which she capitalized on to go up 5-4 before successfully serving out the match. The contest was characterized by its scrappy nature, with both players combining for nine breaks and a total of 67 unforced errors, per Sofascore statistics. This highlights Swiatek’s mental fortitude in navigating a challenging match, a quality often praised by tennis analysts at Sky Sports.
Key Moments and Statistics
- Opening Set Struggle: Kalinskaya’s aggressive start put Swiatek on the defensive, forcing her to adapt quickly.
- Tiebreak Dominance: Swiatek’s ability to raise her level in the tiebreak proved crucial in securing the first set.
- Kalinskaya’s Double Faults: The 11 double faults committed by Kalinskaya, particularly the one in the ninth game of the second set, proved costly.
- Unforced Errors: The high number of unforced errors from both players indicates the high-pressure environment and the difficulty in maintaining consistency.
Road to the Round of 16
This victory propels Swiatek into the Round of 16 for the fifth consecutive year at the US Open. According to Arab News, she is set to face No. 13 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in what promises to be another compelling match. Swiatek, a six-time major winner, has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the court, making her a formidable opponent for any player.
Chasing History
Swiatek is not only aiming for another US Open title but also has her sights set on a historic achievement. As noted by Fox Sports and Telangana Today, she is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2012 to win both Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year. This would mark her seventh major title and further solidify her status as one of the leading figures in women’s tennis. This ambition adds another layer of pressure and motivation to her performance at the US Open.
Swiatek’s Mental Fortitude
Throughout the match against Kalinskaya, Swiatek displayed remarkable mental fortitude. Despite facing an early deficit and numerous challenges, she remained composed and focused, gradually turning the tide in her favor. This mental strength, combined with her exceptional skill and strategic play, is a hallmark of her success. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances is a key factor in her consistent performance at major tournaments.
Kalinskaya’s visible emotion following her defeat underscores the intensity and pressure of the match. Swiatek’s ability to handle these high-stakes situations is a testament to her mental toughness and experience on the court. As detailed by several sports outlets, including Sky Sports, her capacity to recover from setbacks and maintain focus is a defining characteristic of her game.
Looking Ahead
Iga Swiatek’s hard-fought victory over Anna Kalinskaya demonstrates her resilience and determination to succeed. As she moves into the Round of 16, facing Ekaterina Alexandrova, she carries the momentum of this comeback win and the ambition to make history. Her journey at the US Open continues to be a compelling narrative of skill, mental strength, and the pursuit of greatness.
