Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek brilliantly fought back to save a few match points against Barbora Krejcikova and advance into the quarterfinals of Italian Open 2021.

A low quality first set from Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova at Italian Open 2021

On a windy evening in Rome, Swiatek had problems with her serve early on. A few double faults saw her fall behind Barbora. Swiatek lost her serve early on to trail 2-1. But both players had mistake-riddled games as they broke each other again and the set was in Barbora’s favor 3-2.

Despite having the advantage in the set, Barbora was defensive in her tactics. This invited Swiatek, as she saw three consecutive break points on Barbora’s serve. But Barbora saved her serve from 0-40. Swiatek‘s backhand, as well as forehand, were inconsistent. Barbora’s backhand slice towards Swiatek’s forehand often caught the Polish player. Swiatek missed her forehand a couple of times to hand Barbora a second break advantage, 5-2.

But Barbora was not done yet, serving under pressure she hit multiple double faults to give a break back to Swiatek, 5-3. But Swiatek’s abysmal service game didn’t help her come back. The French Open champ was hitting the ball here and there as Barbora converted the third match point on Swiatek’s serve to lead in the match 6-3.

Swiatek saves match points

As Barbora served first, Swiatek tried to build her rhythm. She was able to do that as winners flew from her forehand and backhand, yet Barbora saved her serve to lead 1-0. But a disastrous first serve allowed Barbora to attack, and Swiatek was a break down in the second set, 2-0. But the low bar of tennis in the match continued as Barbora struggled and gave Swiatek the break back to level the set 2-2.

Getting the break back, Swiatek looked smooth again on her winners, as she won on her serve consistently. At 4-3 and serving under pressure on a break point, Swiatek hit a sensational drop shot that landed on the line. Swiatek held on to continue the second set, 4-4.

Barbora now increased her first serve percentage, and Swiatek barely influenced them as Barbora held on to lead 6-5. Serving at 6-5, Swiatek saved two match points to take the set into a tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, Swiatek took the charge as Barbora hit a double fault on set point. Swiatek won it 7-5 to take the second set 7-6.

Iga Swiatek completes the comeback

Swiatek was the favorite to win in the final set. Now both the players were fighting hard and hitting strong winners. Barbora was getting frustrated but served well. on par with Swiatek. Iga was still lacking the final winner stroke, as she missed a couple of them by inches. By 3-3, both had increased their quality.

Serving at 3-3, Swiatek saved three break points. Swiatek’s high-risk play was caught, but she was able to recover back. Both the players cut their mistakes and played high-quality winners to take the set to 5-5. But Swiatek’s winners were flowing and Barbora was imploding. Barbora made a few costly mistakes at 6-5 to hand the match to Swiatek. Swiatek completed a brilliant comeback to win, 3-6, 7-6, 7-5.