Iga Swiatek extends winning streak to 36, Gauff wins too

By: ReutersUpdated: June 28, 2022 8:47:14 pm

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 at Wimbledon on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches.

The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day’s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title.

Despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court, Poland’s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game — registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year.

“I’m really motivated to play well here”

No.1 seed Iga Swiatek speaks after a record-breaking win on Centre Court#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100pic.twitter.com/Sly0oXVAp0

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2022

But problems with her delivery started early in the second set as the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, built up a 3-1 lead. Swiatek, however, quickly regained her focus to win the next five games.

A powerful first serve helped Swiatek seal victory on her first matchpoint and she will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round.

Coco Gauff got off to a bumpy start and converted only four of 25 break points but those glitches were not enough to throw her off course as she reached the Wimbledon second round with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club.

Coco fights back strong 💪@CocoGauff defeats Elena-Gabriela Ruse in three tough sets, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/2MmWYauLGK

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2022

However, when she lost the opening seven points against the little-known Romanian, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two.

When 11th seed Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse’s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family.

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The popular teenager, who captured the world’s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all.

The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff hung on despite continuing to misfire her shots on break points and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide on match point.

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She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

First published on: 28-06-2022 at 07:55:04 pm Next Story

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