Defending US Open champion Iga Swiatek had looked utterly dominant in her first three rounds at this year’s tournament at Flushing Meadows. She had dropped just nine games in those clashes, including just one game lost in the third round. Her fourth round opponent, Jelena Ostapenko, did have the mental advantage of three previous wins against the Pole. But Swiatek’s form made this a very difficult matchup on paper.
The former French Open champion made a mockery of these supposed difficulties. The Latvian produced an absolutely extraordinary performance to topple the world #1 in three sets. It was a display that will live long in the memories of those who were present on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Story of the match
The four-time Grand Slam champion did have a somewhat shaky beginning, dropping her opening service game. but quickly recovered after that. Swiatek seeemed to quickly get used to the pace of Ostapenko’s groundstrokes. This drew her big hitting opponent into unforced errors. This led to the pre-match favourite being able to recover both breaks of serve, and take the first set 6-3.
However, things suddenly turned. Ostapenko began hitting even harder from the back of the court, consistently painting lines. The two traded breaks, and it seemed that Swiatek may again be able to wrestle the momentum back in her favour. But a poor service game from the Pole let Swiatek run ahead again, and this time Ostapenko did serve more comfortably to take the second set 6-3.
Ostapenko’s level in the final set was utterly extraordinary. She raced into a 5-0 lead with winner after winner being struck. Swiatek was uncharacteristically rushed from the baseline, and could not get a clean connection from many of her groundstrokes. The defending champion briefly threatened a comeback with a break of serve, and the fans inside Arthur Ashe tried to rally her.
But it was to no avail. Jelena Ostapenko broke once more. And the upset was secured 3-6 6-3 6-1.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
