Iga Świątek brought her best hard-court form to the 2026 US Open on Monday. The eighth seed dismissed China's Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3 in just 88 minutes at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Świątek broke early in both sets, keeping Wang off balance throughout the opening round match.
"It was a good day in the office," Świątek said afterwards. "I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity."
Świątek maintained control in the first set before a decisive break in the eighth game of the second closed things out. Wang put up a good fight, but had few answers for the former world No. 1's court coverage.
Iga Świątek Finds New Rhythm in 2026 US Open Run
Świątek's confidence has been building all month.
She won this year's Toronto title in August and reached the Cincinnati semifinals before heading to Flushing Meadows where she last lifted the US Open trophy in 2022. Now, she's ready to chase her seventh career Grand Slam title.
And she's doing it with new coach Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal's former mentor, plus a new game plan.
"We’re working on a good rhythm so I don’t rush into the balls," Świątek said of her fresh playing style. "That comes with patience and this confidence that you’re going to be the more solid player."
She'll next face Nadia Podoroska in Wednesday's second round.
