Iga Świątek Powers Into US Open Second Round After Toronto

Iga Świątek is through to the second round of the 2026 US Open, setting up a match against Argentina's Nadia Podoroska on Thursday, September 3. The Polish star arrives in New York with strong momentum, having won the National Bank Open in Toronto last month and reaching the semifinals in Cincinnati.

How is Świątek performing at the US Open?

Świątek began her US Open campaign with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory over China's Xiyu Wang. Her overall record at Flushing Meadows is impressive. Her lone US Open title came in 2022, and she is now chasing her seventh Grand Slam crown. The second-round match against Podoroska is scheduled for 8:30 pm IST at the Grandstand court. Fans in India can watch the action on Star Sports or stream it via JioHotstar.

Podoroska presents a new challenge, having never before passed the first round at the US Open in five previous attempts. She broke that streak this year with a hard-fought three-set win over Simona Waltert, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3. The two have met only once, at the 2020 French Open, where Świątek won 6-2, 6-1.

What turned Świątek's season around?

Before her triumph in Toronto on August 13, Świątek's 2026 season was at a low point. She had advanced to just one semifinal and was at risk of dropping out of the WTA's top 10. The Toronto title, her first of the year, marked a clear inflection point. She immediately flew to Cincinnati to defend her title there, highlighting the intense schedule she has long criticized. "There is no time to celebrate," Świątek said. "You have time only after Grand Slams, I would say."

How did she handle a disruptive Cincinnati semifinal?

Świątek's title defense in Cincinnati ended in the semifinals against Jessica Pegula. The match was marked by rain delays and a disruptive spectator. With drizzle falling early in the first set, Świątek paused her service motion, prompting a fan to shout, "Come on let's serve! This is ridiculous." Play was soon halted anyway. After the delay, Pegula eventually won a tight three-set battle 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, ending Świątek's 10-match winning streak.

What did she and other stars say about criticism?

The recent success in Toronto allowed Świątek to address the "unfair judgment and hate" she faced during her earlier slump. Her stance was echoed by Coco Gauff, who won the Cincinnati title. Gauff defended top players like Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka from what she called "stupid" criticism when form dips. "Our seasons from January to November, there's been players who've played incredibly," Gauff said, pointing out that maintaining an elite level week after week is "literally impossible."

How did Świątek celebrate a peer's personal milestone?

Away from the court, Świątek joined the tennis world in celebrating a personal milestone. She was among the first to congratulate former French star Caroline Garcia, who welcomed a baby boy named Pablo with partner Borja Duran. Świątek commented "Congratulations 🥰" on Garcia's Instagram announcement, alongside well-wishes from other players like Sloane Stephens and Alizé Cornet.

Świątek is into the US Open second round after a straight-sets win. She won the WTA 1000 title in Toronto in August, reversing a slow start to 2026. Her Cincinnati title defense ended in a rain-disrupted semifinal loss to Jessica Pegula. She and Coco Gauff have recently spoken out against harsh criticism faced by top players.