Swiatek holds firm through Bejlek’s late surge in Toronto
A blistering start gave way to extended rallies and a 13-deuce grind before Iga Swiatek closed out Sara Bejlek and moved into the third round at the National Bank Open.
Iga Swiatek began her hard-court campaign at the National Bank Open by racing through the first set against Sara Bejlek in 45 minutes and carrying a 3-0 lead into the second. The No. 7 seed finished the contest 6-0, 6-3 in one hour and 34 minutes after fending off repeated break chances.
For sure it was a good match, and a good start of the hard-court season. I’m happy with the level. The first set I was playing with a lot of confidence and very straightforward, so for sure a good one. Then, in second, parts of that were kind of the same as first. But there were for sure a few tricky games, especially the long one. I haven’t played a game like that in some time, so I’m happy that I won it and I was solid at the end, so for sure a good match.
For sure it was a good match, and a good start of the hard-court season. I’m happy with the level. The first set I was playing with a lot of confidence and very straightforward, so for sure a good one. Then, in second, parts of that were kind of the same as first. But there were for sure a few tricky games, especially the long one. I haven’t played a game like that in some time, so I’m happy that I won it and I was solid at the end, so for sure a good match.
Early patterns give way to tactical shifts
Swiatek opened with an immediate break and dictated the opening set through seven winners and only three unforced errors while conceding 11 points total. Her inside-out forehand and crosscourt depth kept Bejlek pinned behind the baseline on the hard courts in Toronto.
The Czech player, ranked No. 38, began mixing drop shots and net approaches once Swiatek reached 3-0 in the second set. One netted forehand from the Polish player allowed Bejlek to win a 19-stroke exchange with an angled backhand pass that trimmed the lead to 3-2.
Bejlek had already shown her speed and variety in their earlier meeting at Roland Garros. Swiatek responded by flattening her backhand down-the-line on key points and staying back on second serves to extend rallies.
Marathon game restores baseline control
The next game stretched to 13 deuces and nine saved break points. Both players alternated spectacular winners with unforced errors as form fluctuated under the pressure of extended baseline exchanges.
Swiatek converted her sixth game point when Bejlek sent a forehand long. The victory preserved a 4-2 advantage and allowed the higher-ranked player to close on her third match point after a net cord decision.
The second set produced 24 unforced errors, a figure Swiatek will look to reduce when she faces Viktorija Golubic in the third round. Golubic upset No. 31 seed Donna Vekic 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 to reach that stage.
Resilience carries into next test
No. 9 seed Elina Svitolina, the 2017 champion in Canada, also needed extra time in her opener. She trailed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro by a set and 3-1 before winning 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-4 in two hours and 47 minutes.
Swiatek noted that she focused on reclaiming two solid points in succession rather than dwelling on the scoreline during the long game. That approach leaves her with recovery time ahead of her next match on the compressed Toronto schedule.
