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Iga Swiatek defeated Caty McNally 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Italian Open. Despite not playing at her best, Swiatek managed to secure the win as McNally challenged her in the later sets.
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Iga Swiatek overcame Caty McNally, 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, to advance to the third round of the Italian Open.
The defending champion wasnât at her sharpest, but managed to push through as McNally put up a stronger fight in the second and third sets. She closed out the match without ever finding top gear.
Speaking after the match, Swiatek shared what was bothering her during her opening match in Rome.
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Speaking after the match, Swiatek gave her thoughts on how things went.
âFor sure, it was a tough match. Caty [McNally] really played great,â she said.
âShe was fighting for every ball and played some amazing shots in defence.
âI had to really stay patient.
âSome mistakes happened, especially when she played a bit slower, sometimes with the wind it was hard to adjust to the ball.
âIt was not an easy match, but Iâm happy I was solid at the end and in the important moments, and I kept it together, and at the end of the match, I was dictating.â
Swiatek went on to discuss what makes Rome such a unique challenge on tour.
âThe most important thing is to get used to the conditions and get used to what you cannot do on this court,â she said.
âI remember many tough matches here, especially at the beginning of the tournament.
âYou need to stay patient and fight for every point because the court is super slow, especially when itâs a bit colder than usual.
Iga Swiatek won the match with a score of 6-1, 6-7, 6-3.
Caty McNally put up a strong fight, especially in the second and third sets, but ultimately lost the match.
Iga Swiatek mentioned that she wasn't at her sharpest and shared what was bothering her during the match.
Iga Swiatek advanced to the third round of the Italian Open.
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âThe court is heavy so itâs hard to finish the rally.
The world No. 1 said that it takes time for players to find their rhythm in Rome but is glad that she already has a win under her belt despite not playing her best tennis.
Swiatek is set to face either Emma Navarro or Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the third round of the Italian Open.
She holds a 2-1 advantage over Navarro in their previous meetings, though it was Navarro who won their most recent clash, which came last year in Beijing.
Thereâs also some history with Cocciaretto, as the pair met at this same event just a year ago.
No matter who she comes up against, sheâll be looking for a stronger showing than she managed against McNally. The win was hard-fought, and Swiatek knows sheâll need to find another level if she wants to make a deep run in Rome.
There was plenty of optimism around Swiatekâs camp when she switched from Wim Fissette to Francisco Roig, with many expecting a quick turnaround on clay.
But the results havenât backed that up so far.
Under Roig, Swiatek has gone 3-2. A record that sheâll be looking to improve as she continues her campaign in Rome.
Sheâll get the chance when she faces either Navarro or Cocciaretto in the third round on Sunday, May 10.
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