Google News Iga Swiatek shares thoughts after fending off tricky American qualifier in Ostrava
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3734
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek insisted 151st-ranked Caty Mcnally wasn't an easy opponent to handle and added she was glad she was able to get the job done in straight sets. On Friday, first-seeded Swiatek defeated American qualifier McNally 6-4 6-4 to progress into the Ostrava semifinal.
"It was definitely physical -- at the beginning of the second set I could feel my energy level went down a little bit. I'm pretty happy I got it back again and I could use my experience in my important moments, because Caty played really well.
Tactically it was easier to prepare, because I know her game style [from juniors]. She's playing differently to other players. But on the other hand, a lot of time has passed since we played last time. I knew she'd made progress and I had to be ready," Swiatek said, per the WTA website.
How Swiatek defeated McNally
Swiatek got off to a rocky start to the match as she faced break points in the first and third games. After saving two consecutive break points in the first game, Swiatek also saved a break point in the third game.
However, it wasn't only McNally that had break points early on. In the second game, Swiatek missed out on two break points. After missed break points in three games - the first break was seen in the fifth game - when McNally broke Swiatek for a 3-2 lead.
Down by a break, Swiatek quickly responded as she broke McNally in the sixth and 10th games to overturn the deficit and win the first set. After winning the first set, Swiatek started the second set with a break and an early 3-0 lead.
However, it should be noted that Swiatek saved four break points in the first and third games of the second set. Down by a set and a break, McNally responded and won three games in a row to tie the second set to three games apiece.
However, Swiatek was able to keep her focus as she broke McNally again in the 10th game, when the American was serving to stay in the match. Swiatek plays Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Ostrava semifinal.