Iga Swiatek beats Marie Bouzkova and advances at the 2026 US Open

Polish star Iga Swiatek secured her place in the next round of the 2026 US Open after defeating Czech player Marie Bouzkova. The eighth seed and 2022 champion won in straight sets, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑4.

The tough first‑set victory

The match began with Bouzkova showing resilience, breaking Swiatek’s serve in the second game of the opening set. The Czech even led 3‑0 in that set, applying constant pressure on the Pole. Bouzkova had a chance to close the set on her serve but failed to convert.

Swiatek showed resilience by holding serve and forcing a tie‑break. In the tiebreak she raced to a 5‑1 lead, but Bouzkova narrowed it to 5‑3. A forehand error from Swiatek gave Bouzkova a chance, yet a crucial double fault from the Czech sealed the set, as Swiatek closed it after Bouzkova netted her fourth break point ball.

Dominance in the second set

In the second set Swiatek found her rhythm, taking the first game 6‑0. She broke Bouzkova’s serve again, capitalising on a double fault when the Czech had two break points. Bouzkova defended Swiatek’s attacks well, but the pressure remained.

Swiatek kept control and closed the set 6‑4. The winner imposed her style, alternating pure power with tactical variations that troubled Bouzkova’s defence. The Czech, known for her consistency, could not sustain the intensity of the first set.

Context of Swiatek’s campaign

The win underlines Swiatek’s strong form at the tournament. According to sports‑betting data, the Pole is near her peak, having lost only ten games in the first two rounds of the US Open. This efficiency follows earlier positive results, including a victory in Toronto and a semifinal in Cincinnati.

Head‑to‑head history heavily favours Swiatek. Bouzkova has lost all three of her previous meetings with the Pole, including a defeat at this year’s Australian Open. Moreover, the Czech has not taken a set off a top‑10 player since the Washington tournament in 2024.

Other results from the round

In other matches, Chinese Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen beat Madison Keys after saving a match point. French Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva also advanced, while American Amanda Anisimova, last year’s finalist, was eliminated by Russian Anastasia Potapova. In the men’s draw, American Taylor Fritz fell to Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo in five sets, a comeback that ousted the ninth seed.

With information from BBC, William Hill News.