Iga Swiatek Stages Stunning Comeback To Win Korea Open

Iga Swiatek produced a gritty comeback in Seoul on Sunday to claim the Korea Open title, overcoming a nightmare start to beat Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in a dramatic final.

The world No. 2 looked out of sorts early on, dropping the first set in just 33 minutes after a flurry of uncharacteristic errors — a stark contrast to her dominant form throughout the week. World No. 11 Alexandrova, who won the Korea Open in 2022, twice came within two points of the title before Swiatek steadied herself, edging the second set in a tiebreak.

From there, the six-time Grand Slam champion began to rediscover her rhythm. With her forehand firing again, Swiatek sealed the championship with a decisive winner before collapsing in relief, letting

out a primal roar as she dropped her racquet.

The victory gives the 24-year-old Pole her third title of the season — and her first ever in Seoul, a city with special meaning for her family. Swiatek’s father Tomasz competed in rowing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, a connection she highlighted afterward.

“My dad couldn’t win the Olympics but at least I won this tournament,” she said with a smile. “Hopefully he’s going to come next year to enjoy everything.”

Swiatek had cruised into the final without dropping a set, winning back-to-back matches on Saturday in a combined two and a half hours. But Alexandrova, seeking her second title of 2025, proved a much sterner test in their fourth meeting of the year.

“Honestly, I don’t know how I won it because you were just playing great,” Swiatek admitted during the trophy presentation. “I just tried to stay alive.”

Alexandrova, gracious in defeat, praised her rival: “It’s always super difficult to play against her, so I just tried my best today. It wasn’t enough, so maybe next time I will be a little bit better.”

(with AFP inputs)