Iga Swiatek Reveals Why She Was ‘Angry’ After Surviving Scare at China Open

Iga Swiatek survived a scare in the third round of the China Open. Swiatek, who is chasing her second title in the tournament, came from a set down to clinch a 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2 victory over Donna Vekic.

The former World No.1 is bidding to win her second title of the season following the Canadian Open, where she defeated World No.1 Elena Rybakina, also ending her title drought. She, in fact, reached her first final of the season in the event.

Her latest win helped the Pole improve her head-to-head record over Vekic to a perfect 5-0. It was their first clash since the fourth round of the 2023 Italian Open. Following the match, Swiatek said she was really angry during the match because of a few mistakes she made.

I was just really… I thought I’m not playing bad, but for sure, it wasn’t enough. Did some mistakes. And yeah, I was just angry. I wanted to change something, because clearly it wasn’t working. The beginning of second set, for sure, was tough. But later on, I figured it out, so I’m really happy about that.

Iga Swiatek said during the on-court interview (H/T: Tennis365)

Swiatek clinched her first title here on her debut in 2023 by defeating Liudmila Samsonova. On her second appearance in the tournament last year, she suffered a fourth-round exit.

Well, I think at some point, I don’t know how many points we both had, but I felt like I’m playing good. I felt like we might be even, but maybe she was winning the more important points. I knew I had my opportunities; I should push a little bit more. I don’t think she is a different player than couple years ago. I think she plays the same game style. If she feels the ball good, she’s a really dangerous player. I just needed to go level up because she played really good, used these chances that I didn’t use in the first set.

Iga Swiatek said at the press conference

Swiatek is a 12-time champion in WTA 1000 events. After the China Open, the 25-year-old, who has been doing everything she could to qualify for the WTA Finals, will be playing the Wuhan Open as well as the Ningbo Open.

Iga Swiatek will face Iva Jovic in the fourth round

Iga Swiatek will next be locking horns with rising star Iva Jovic. It will be their first head-to-head meeting. Prior to scheduling the match against the five-time Grand Slam champion, the American ace defeated Kamilla Rakhimova.

The 18-year-old, who made her WTA 1000 debut at the Cincinnati Open last year, has never made it past the fourth round of an event at this level. Prior to the China Open, the only time she reached the fourth round was at the Italian Open.

Jovic is chasing the third title of her career after her wins at the 2025 and 2026 Guadalajara Open. She also reached the final of this year’s Hobart International but lost the title to Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

The winner of the Swiatek versus Jovic will face Elise Mertens, Sun Xinran, or 2024 China Open champion Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. Gauff, like Swiatek, is chasing her second title of the season here. She ended her title drought at the Cincinnati Open by beating countrywoman Jessica Pegula.

The final WTA 1000 of the season, the Wuhan Open, is set to start on October 12. Gauff will compete as the defending champion. In Beijing, Amanda Anisimova is the reigning champion, but she has ended her season because of a wrist injury.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka Reacts After Shock Early-Round Exit at China Open