Iga Świątek defeats Marie Bouzkova in two tie-breaks to reach US Open fourth round

Two tie-breaks seal third-round progress

Eighth seed Iga Świątek advanced to the fourth round of the US Open in New York after defeating Czech player Marie Bouzkova 7:6(3), 7:6(3). The encounter developed into a tightly contested, high-level contest as the 25th-seeded Bouzkova challenged the Polish player throughout both sets. Neither competitor managed to break away in regulation games, forcing both sets to be decided in tie-breaks. Świątek demonstrated composure during these critical moments, winning both tie-breaks by an identical 7-3 score. The victory secured her spot in the round of 16 at the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.

Navigating set points and physical demands

The decisive test arrived in the second set, when Świątek was forced to defend three set points on her own serve. She held her serve by approaching those crucial moments without changing her mindset, treating them like ordinary points to avoid excess pressure. After closing out the final tie-break point, both competitors met at the net to exchange a high five, a brief hug, and a smile, with Bouzkova showing positive spirits despite battling until the end. Świątek complimented Bouzkova after the match and noted that winning such tight contests strengthens player confidence. Acknowledging the physical toll of the intense two-set battle, Świątek pointed to the scheduled rest day before her next appearance as sufficient time to recharge.

I certainly got tired, simply the intensity of the match could take a lot out of you. And even though it was a two-set match, it was actually long. However, I have a day off and can calmly recover.

Fourth-round clash set with Qinwen Zheng

Świątek moves on to face Qinwen Zheng in the round of 16, holding a 7-1 record in their career series. The only loss in their head-to-head history came when Zheng defeated Świątek in the semifinal of the Olympic tournament in Paris. Zheng secured her fourth-round spot earlier on Saturday in a three-set match against 22nd seed Madison Keys, winning 1:6, 7:6(3), 7:5. The Chinese player trailed 0:5 in the third set and defended a match point before completing her turnaround against the American.

Polish contingent exits singles and doubles draws

With her third-round victory, Świątek remains the only Polish player active in the singles competition in New York. Polish singles players Maja Chwalińska, Magdalena Fręch, and Magda Linette all suffered eliminations during the first round of play. Polish representation in the women's doubles draw also concluded on Saturday in the second round. In that match, the pairing of Chwalińska and Linette was eliminated by Anna Bondar of Hungary and Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine, losing 6:3, 3:6, 3:6 after winning the opening set.