NEWS: Iga Swiatek powers into Wuhan Open last 16 after overcoming slow start

The seventh seed fell 2-0 behind in the opening set and had to fend off two break points to avoid slipping further behind. She responded emphatically, winning six consecutive games to take the set before claiming four more in a row at the start of the second.

Frech, ranked 56th in the world, managed to win one game in the second set, but Swiatek remained in control to complete the victory in one hour and 43 minutes.

The win marked Swiatek’s 40th on the WTA Tour this season and her 149th at WTA 1000 level, moving her ahead of Serena Williams into seventh place on the all-time list since the format was introduced in 2009.

The six-time Grand Slam champion has now recorded at least 40 victories in five consecutive seasons, underlining her consistency despite describing the current campaign as particularly challenging.

“Probably the biggest lesson will be that nothing will come easy,” Swiatek said, reflecting on a season that has tested her more than previous years.

She added that she had learned to value the process alongside results and to find smaller successes during difficult periods.

Swiatek said she focused on remaining solid against Frech, whose defensive ability and willingness to use her opponent’s power can make her difficult to break down.

“I just wanted to focus on being consistent and playing as good as possible,” she said. “I wanted to not play too crazy, but stay solid. I’m happy I did that.”

The Pole has now beaten Frech in both of their meetings and improved her record against players ranked outside the world’s top 50 to 19 wins and two defeats this season.

Swiatek will face either American Ashlyn Krueger or Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee in the last 16, with a potential quarter-final meeting against top seed Aryna Sabalenka further down the line.

Fifth seed Elina Svitolina also kept her WTA Finals qualification hopes alive on Wednesday, advancing with a second-round victory of her own.