Key Points

In an early match on a sun‑kissed Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 2022 winner maintained her recent form as she breezed past world No. 84 Emiliana Arango, 6-1, 6-2, on Tuesday. Swiatek, who had snapped a 13‑month title drought in July by capturing her first Wimbledon crown and backed that up by lifting the Cincinnati trophy for the first time two weeks ago, is hoping to become the first WTA star to win the Wimbledon and US Open titles in the same calendar year since Serena Williams in 2012.

Having fallen to No. 8 in the WTA Rankings in June, Swiatek already returned to No. 2 this week. The 2022 champion at Flushing Meadows, a second title here this fortnight could potentially mean she reclaims the World No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka.

On Tuesday, Swiatek made short work of Arango, who was making her main‑draw debut here. It was a difficult task for the Pole as Arango tried everything to disrupt the No. 2 seed’s rhythm, frequently throwing in slice and varying the depth of her shots. However, Swiatek’s calculated striking collected a rapid 3‑1 lead.

The Swiatek forehand was arching over the net, lasering line to line, and moving the Colombian side to side. That stroke was the key to helping the Pole evade trouble at 0‑30 to then hold for 4‑1. It was relentless pressure for Arango, and in just 26 minutes she was a set down.

Arango earned a rare chance at 3‑2, 30‑30. A looping Swiatek backhand volley was run down by the Colombian before the world No. 2 managed to hold her ground and connect with a last‑ditch backhand volley on the stretch. Tuesday’s dominant display chalked up victory No. 50 so far this season, and now the Pole advances to meet Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens.

- IANS