Key Takeaways
- Iga Swiatek recovered from a 6-4, 5-2 deficit against Donna Vekic to reach the round of 16 at the China Open.
- Swiatek explained that she relaxed by adopting the free-swinging mindset Novak Djokovic used against Roger Federer at the 2011 US Open.
- The victory was Swiatek’s 147th career WTA 1000 win, moving her within 1 win of Serena Williams’ total of 148.
A dramatic turnaround against Donna Vekic
Facing early elimination at the China Open, Iga Swiatek found herself in deep trouble during her third-round clash against Donna Vekic. Vekic had captured the opening set 6-4 and built a commanding 5-2 lead in the second set, pushing the Polish star to the brink of defeat. Rather than panicking, Swiatek orchestrated a remarkable comeback, claiming the second set tiebreak 7-0 before cruising through the decider 6-2.
The test was far more demanding than her opening match in Beijing, where she eased past Xinyu Gao 6-2, 6-3. Reflecting on her narrow escape, Swiatek explained the psychological shift that allowed her to reverse momentum, drawing inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s legendary semifinal escape against Roger Federer at the 2011 US Open.
Channeling Novak Djokovic’s high-risk mentality
Swiatek revealed that being on the verge of defeat can prompt a player to abandon fear entirely. Djokovic famously demonstrated this mindset 15 years ago in New York when Federer held two match points at 5-3, 40-15 in the fifth set, prompting the Serbian to swing freely and unleash a blistering return winner.
Swiatek observed that embracing a dire situation can bring unexpected clarity: “I think accepting is actually something that lets you go, maybe later on to this better place.” She noted that such acceptance removes tension when nothing else seems to work.
The former world number 1 admitted that she intentionally let go of anxiety during her deficit against Vekic: “I think Novak did it a little bit on purpose. I also let myself feel that today because I thought maybe this will be better for me.”
Technical adjustments and milestones in Beijing
Swiatek also credited an in-match technical shift for helping her turn things around, explaining that “today actually I found something and it kind of clicked.” By reeling off consecutive breaks and sweeping the tiebreak, she completely shifted the contest’s trajectory.
The gritty triumph marked Swiatek’s 40th appearance in the round of 16 at a WTA 1000 event and earned her 147th match win at that tournament tier, placing her just 1 win shy of Serena Williams’ mark of 148. The 2023 China Open champion now moves on to face 10th seed Iva Jovic in the next round.
ATP Shanghai - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Novak Djokovic in 2026
Currently ranked no.11, the Serbian played his last match on the 6th of October when he overcame world no.9 Alex De Minaur 7-6(3) 0-1 in the final in Beijing to win his 102nd career title.
During this season Djokovic achieved an overall 19-7 match record. Djokovic conquered 1 title in Beijing.
