Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has said that she has enjoyed her time in New York with some good Italian food and taking a walk in Central Park, as she cruised into the third round of the ongoing US Open with a straight-sets victory over Nadia Podoroska on Thursday.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion whose titles include the 2022 US Open, was in complete control against Podoroska, a former top-40 player now ranked 449th in the world.
Swiatek fought off four break points at 5-3 in the first set, then pulled away to polish off the victory over Podoroska in little more than an hour.
“For sure, I have had some good Italian food. I have also gone for a few walks in Central Park, although not too many because the traffic is quite heavy
and it isn’t easy to get around,” Swiatek said in an interview shared with News18 by JioStar.
“I have done a bit of shopping as well, so I am trying to make the most of it and have some fun,” Swiatek added.
Having been stunned by Alexandra Eala in the third round at Wimbledon, the Polish star made good use of a month-long break and bagged the title at the National Bank Open last month, beating Elena Rybakina.
Swiatek then finished as the semifinalist at the Cincinnati Masters, losing to Jessica Pegula, but found a much-needed flow ahead of the US Open.
“Well, for sure, it feels different compared to the other Grand Slams because I would say this has been the best part of the season for me. I am happy that my game has finally clicked and that I have felt confident about what to play and how to manage everything on the court,” Swiatek said.
“That definitely gives you extra confidence. But obviously, before a Grand Slam, it is a little different. You have to start from the beginning. These wins can give you a lot of confidence, but once you step onto the court, you still have to fight from the first point,” Swiatek added.
The eighth seed will take on 25th seed Marie Bouzkova in the third round of the US Open on Saturday, September 5.
Catch all the action of the US Open 2026 live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.
