Iga Swiatek prides herself on being studious. As recently as a couple of years ago, she considered attending college. But on Sunday, in the third set of the San Diego Open final versus qualifier Donna Vekic, Swiatek was not student, nor simply teacher; she was decorated faculty, the final set of her 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 win a masterclass. It was a moment you rarely see in pro tennis, much less during the finals of a WTA 500 event against an in-form opponent who’d once been ranked inside the Top 20.
“I just hit an Iga wall,” said Vekic. “Everything I threw at her, she came back with even better shots.”
In her semifinal against Jessica Pegula, Swiatek lost the first set and then won 12 of 14 points to start the second, a swift turnaround that halted Pegula’s momentum. Today’s effort was even better. Having lost the second set, Swiatek commenced the third with exceptional urgency.
“I felt like I needed to change something after the second set,” said Swiatek.
From footwork to movement to sharp angles, oppressive topspin, deep drives and even an untouchable crosscourt forehand squash shot hit on the run, Swiatek dominated the decider, winning 24 of 29 points.