Iga Swiatek played a very strong match in the third round of the Italian Open, defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-0 in only 65 minutes.
Swiatek was in control from the start and did not give Cocciaretto many chances to fight back. She won the first set 6-1 with aggressive play and powerful shots, while Cocciaretto struggled to keep up with her pace.
The second set was even more dominant, as Swiatek won 6-0 without losing a single game.
Addressing the media, Swiatek spoke about her next opponent. “She’s a great player. We’ve played a lot and had a really tough match at Roland Garros two years ago, so I know what she can bring and how well she can play when she feels the ball. So I’ll prepare technically, and I’ll be ready.”
The 24-year-old will face Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. The two players have met three times before on the WTA Tour, with Swiątek leading 2-1.
Their first match was at the 2019 Canadian Open, where Osaka won 7-6, 6-4. Swiatek later beat Osaka 6-4, 6-0 in the 2022 Miami Open final to win the title. At the 2024 French Open, Swiatek won a close three-set battle 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5.
Osaka told the media that she’s ready to face Iga Swiatek; she just does not want to overthink about the match, and she just wants to have fun while playing.
“Life is a little cruel. Damn. Sabalenka, now Iga (laughter). I don’t know. I think obviously for me, that’s where I show up. I think even though it hasn’t been in my favor the last couple of times, for me, those matches are the most fun. I’m excited about the thought. I don’t know, it just makes me smile.
