Iga Swiatek Triumphs in Cincinnati, Gears Up for U.S. Open

New York, Aug 20 (AP) Around 8 p.m. on Monday, Iga Swiatek held up her Cincinnati Open championship trophy.

Around 8 a.m. the next day, Tuesday, she was gearing up for her mixed doubles match at the U.S. Open in New York City.

It's been quite the quick turnaround.

"This was the most extreme situation and the most intense schedule I've ever had after a title win," Swiatek, currently the world number two, shared on Tuesday afternoon. "Just an hour and a half post-match, we were already on our way to catch a plane."

Yet, her pace didn't slow down one bit. Swiatek, partnering with Casper Ruud in mixed doubles, clinched victories in both of their Tuesday matches. This accomplishment secured them a spot in Wednesday's mixed doubles quarterfinal, where they'll be vying to progress to the $1 million title match.

"Actually, it's somewhat nice to have another task," Swiatek mused about the swift transition. "It keeps you from getting lazy and helps you concentrate on the next thrilling event."

Ruud, on the other hand, experienced a mix of emotions. While Swiatek fought for her title in Ohio, he was having dinner in New York, all the while watching scores and engaging secretly with Swiatek's team. "She doesn't know this," Ruud admitted with a laugh, contemplating their impending doubles match.

"I must confess, I was a bit worried," he said, as he observed Swiatek's deepening strides at the Cincinnati Open, having exited early himself. "But she showed up for her warmup at 10 a.m. sharp... It's sheer determination, something I've never witnessed to this extent."

This rapid switch from Cincinnati to New York is a novel challenge for singles players at the U.S. Open. This year, the mixed doubles draw was revamped to include top singles players, converting what was once a recovery week into active competition.

Carlos Alcaraz, who won the men's title in Cincinnati, experienced a similar whirlwind with his afternoon doubles match scheduled alongside Emma Raducanu. He had slightly more leeway with timing, given how the tournaments were scheduled.

Alcaraz bowed out of the mixed doubles on Tuesday, but Swiatek and Ruud will return to the court on Wednesday.

"Iga will have a good sleep tonight," Ruud noted. "She certainly deserves it." (AP)

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