Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has continued her impressive form at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. After defeating Danielle Collins in the opening round, Swiatek avenged her Australian Open loss to Linda Noskova in the round of 32, winning 6-4, 6-0.
Noskova, a 19-year-old Czech, had stunned Swiatek in Melbourne, rallying from a set down to reach the quarterfinals. However, Swiatek was determined to avoid a repeat performance and played aggressively from the start.
Despite Noskova’s powerful groundstrokes, Swiatek saved three break points in the opening set and won 16 of the final 19 points to take the set. The second set was even more one-sided, as Swiatek absorbed Noskova’s pace and won nine straight games to complete the bagel.
Swiatek’s victory sets up a potential clash with another big hitter, Madison Keys, in the round of 16. Keys, the No. 18 seed, will face Yulia Putintseva later on Sunday. Swiatek leads their head-to-head record 2-1, but Keys won their most recent match at the Cincinnati Open in 2022.
Swiatek’s performance in Indian Wells is a testament to her dominance on the WTA Tour. The 22-year-old Pole has won three Grand Slams in the past two years and is currently on a 10-match winning streak. She is the clear favorite to win the BNP Paribas Open and extend her reign at the top of the women’s game.
