Iga Swiatek, ranked second globally, orchestrated an impressive turnaround to overcome Ekaterina Alexandrova and claim the Korea Open title.
Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, triumphed with a score of 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, after being down 3-1 in the final set and nearing defeat by just two points.
Alexandrova of Russia accumulated 11 more points throughout the match than Swiatek, and held a 15-30 advantage on Swiatek’s serve while leading 6-5 in the second set.
However, Swiatek managed to hold her serve, subsequently asserted dominance in the second-set tie-break, and then broke Alexandrova’s serve towards the end of the third set, securing her victory.
Swiatek playfully remarked that her triumph compensated for her father, Tomasz’s, unsuccessful attempt to secure a medal as part of the Polish rowing team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
“I am delighted to have won here, especially considering our family’s history,” she expressed.
“My father was unable to win at the Olympics, but at least I’ve secured this tournament victory, so I hope he will be here next year to fully enjoy the experience.”
