Indian wells
Smooth liftoff for Swiatek’s title defence
Iga Swiatek spent barely an hour as the reigning Indian Wells champion delivered a 6-2, 6-0 hammering to France’s former world No. 4 Caroline Garcia in an opening match for the Polish second seed.
Swiatek motored into the third round in the Californian desert as winds from earlier in the week died down somewhat to make play less of a strain.
With trophies here in 2022 and 2024, Swiatek is looking to become the first woman to win three at the event where he holds an impressive 19-2 record from five appearances.
Swiatek’s quick success extended her Indian Wells win streak to seven matches, with her last loss at the venue coming to eventual champion Elena Rybakina in the 2023 semi-finals.
The winner next plays Dayana Yastremska after the Ukrainian defeated Ons Jabeur 6-3, 6-1.
“I’m happy that I was solid until the end, and I’m just happy that I adjusted to the conditions well,” Swiatek said.
“First matches are not easy, and I didn’t know what to expect from Caro, but
I’m happy that I could dominate from the beginning.”