Swiatek Stuns Alexandrova in Seoul to Claim Korea Open Title
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Iga Swiatek, the world number two, secured a dramatic victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Korea Open on Saturday, winning 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5. The Wimbledon champion fought back from a 3-1 deficit in the deciding set and saved two match points to clinch the title.
The win marks Swiatek’s third title of the year, following victories at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Open, all achieved within the last three months. It also represents a notable moment for the Polish star, who previously missed much of the 2022 Asian swing due to fatigue and a subsequent one-month doping ban after testing positive for a banned substance. This victory in Seoul could propel her challenge for the world number one ranking, currently held by Aryna Sabalenka, who leads with 11,225 points to Swiatek’s 8,433.
Alexandrova dominated the first set and held a 6-5 lead in the second, with 15-30 on Swiatek’s serve. However, Swiatek rallied, holding serve and then dominating the second-set tie-break. A late break in the third set sealed the victory.
“Honestly, I don’t know how I won it, because you were just playing great,” Swiatek told Alexandrova after the match. “I just tried to stay alive.”
Swiatek’s triumph also carries personal significance, as she joked it made up for her father, tomasz’s, unsuccessful bid for a medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a member of the Polish rowing team. “I’m happy that I could win here because of the family history,” she said. “My dad couldn’t win the Olympics, but at least I won this tournament, so hopefully he’s going to come here next year to enjoy everything.”
With 57 match wins this year, Swiatek currently leads the WTA Tour in victories.
