Swiatek overpowers Pliskova to reach third roundImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Iga Swiatek is only the third woman in the Open era to reach the third round at 26 consecutive Grand Slam events, after Martina Navratilova (35) and Conchita Martinez (30).ByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalist at WimbledonPublished35 minutes agoIga Swiatek continued her Wimbledon title defence by overpowering former finalist Karolina Pliskova in a commanding straight-set victory to reach the third round.The Polish world number three cried on court after battling to a three-set win over Taylor Townsend in her opening match on Tuesday, having found opening play on Centre Court as the reigning champion “really emotional”.
Far more relaxed on her return to action two days later, there was an entirely different feel to this performance as the 25-year-old made a blistering start against 2021 runner-up Pliskova.
“I’m feeling more stable today – and that’s good,” Swiatek told the crowd after her 6-1 6-3 victory.
“The first round was really emotional for sure, but today I felt like it was another day in the office and I needed to be ready, be in charge and make good decisions.
“It is always better when you’re able to think like that and it was a good day for me. I was consistent and I had a good level of focus, so I’m really happy with my performance.”
Swiatek, a six-time major winner, lost just one of the first 17 points in the match as she proceeded to dismantle the Czech, racing into a four-game lead.
She struggled on serve in the fifth game, recording two double faults to allow Pliskova to retrieve one break back, but immediately reset to capture the first set in just 25 minutes after winning 26 of the 35 points played.
