Iga Swiatek solidified her position as the world’s premier player with a decisive 6-4, 6-3 win over Croatia’s Petra Martic at Wimbledon on Thursday, marking her 21st consecutive match victory.
The 23-year-old from Poland, who claimed victories at the Madrid and Rome Opens and the Roland Garros title, smoothly transitioned to the Wimbledon grass, advancing to the third round.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion who has yet to surpass the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, appeared at ease on the Centre Court turf, despite Martic challenging her with powerful serves and strokes.
Martic, who is ten years older than Swiatek and the world’s 85th ranked player, took a fall and required medical attention after the seventh game of the opening set but continued to play without visible hindrance.
Swiatek secured the first set at her initial break point with an aggressive forehand that forced Martic to hit the net.
In the second set’s eighth game, Swiatek broke Martic’s serve, gained match point with a commanding forehand winner, and sealed the match with a serve that Martic returned into the net.
