Iga Swiatek’s 2025 roadmap has shifted dramatically, especially after her French Open title defense ended in a semifinal heartbreak. She bounced back, claiming Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Masters, reclaiming a top-two seeding behind Aryna Sabalenka. Now the favorite at the China Open, Swiatek opened her campaign with a commanding victory at the Beijing National Tennis Center. Facing Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue and a partisan home crowd, the world No. 2 faced little resistance, winning convincingly. Yet, despite her flawless start, the Pole trails behind Serena Williams, leaving her world No. 1 aspirations hanging precariously at the China Open.

Just moments ago, Iga Swiatek dominated the second round of the China Open in Beijing, dispatching Yuan Yue 6‑0, 6‑3 with poise and authority. Beyond the win, the Polish star etched her name further into WTA history. Opta Ace highlighted a remarkable fact: “Iga Swiatek has won 122 of her 150 WTA-1000 matches – since the format introduction in 2009, only Serena Williams (131) has won more from their first 150 WTA-1000 matches. Giant.” Swiatek’s consistency at the highest level is now undeniable.

Having contested 150 WTA 1000 matches, Swiatek boasts a 122‑28 record, translating to an extraordinary 81.33% win rate. Only Serena Williams surpasses that record, holding a 131‑19 mark across her first 150 matches. While Williams had competed in the earlier Tier 1 and Premier events before the WTA 1000 format’s introduction, Swiatek’s accomplishments under the revamped system underscore her dominance across a decade of elite-level tennis.

Her victory over Yuan Yue also marked her 25th win at WTA 1000 tournaments in 2025, highlighting a season capped by her Cincinnati Open triumph. Impressively, this is the third consecutive year Swiatek has reached at least 25 WTA 1000 wins, following 27 in 2023 and 30 in 2024. Such consistency speaks volumes about her preparation, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.

Swiatek now stands as the first woman since the WTA 1000 format began in 2009 to win 25+ matches across three straight seasons. Moreover, she is the first woman to achieve this in three separate campaigns at this elite level, cementing her status as one of the sport’s modern giants.

The Pole narrowly missed 25 wins in 2025, recording 24 victories at WTA 1000 events, yet her dominance remains unparalleled. It has been over four years since Swiatek lost in the opening round of a WTA-level tournament, her last such defeat coming against Ons Jabeur at the 2021 Cincinnati Open. She has now won her opening match at 67 consecutive tournaments, the longest streak by any woman on the WTA Tour since 1990.

This summer, Swiatek surpassed Monica Seles’ 64 consecutive opening-match wins, securing her 65th at the US Open. While her statistics dazzle, the world No. 2 remains grounded, reflecting thoughtfully on her journey and the victories ahead as she advances to the R32 in Beijing. 

Still, reaching the summit of the rankings remains a challenge, with a long path ahead before dethroning Aryna Sabalenka. Yet, her mix of humility, focus, and relentless determination continues to shape an era in women’s tennis.

Iga Swiatek reflects after opening match win at China Open

Swiatek set the tone early, breaking Yuan Yue in the opening game and quickly asserting dominance. The first set proved one-sided as the Chinese wildcard repeatedly fired long, giving Swiatek a flawless 6‑0 set. Every stroke and volley reinforced the Pole’s control, leaving little room for her opponent to find rhythm.

Cheered on by the local crowd, Yuan improved in the second set, forcing tighter rallies and demonstrating resilience. Yet, Swiatek’s composure and precision ensured the match didn’t slip away. The decider came when Yuan returned into the net, sealing the win for the world No. 2.

After the match, Swiatek praised her opponent’s court awareness. “She was reading the court pretty well,” she acknowledged. “It wasn’t easy and every game was tight.” Respect and sportsmanship marked her comments, highlighting the balance between competitiveness and appreciation for the fight presented by Yuan.

Swiatek arrived in Beijing fresh off her Seoul title, entering the China Open as the top seed following Aryna Sabalenka’s injury withdrawal. Memories of her 2023 WTA 1000 triumph linger, though last year she missed the event due to personal reasons, later revealed to be a one-month doping suspension. “I have great memories,” Swiatek said. “But every tournament is a different story so you gotta start from the beginning and grind.”

The road ahead now presents a new challenge as Swiatek prepares to face Colombia’s Camila Osorio, ranked 83rd. Osorio defeated Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in a grueling three-setter, showing tenacity and potential to test the Polish star.

As the world No. 2 looks forward, questions loom over whether she can continue her dominance or if an early upset might disrupt her campaign. 

Yet Swiatek’s focus, strategy, and past success suggest she remains prepared to grind her way toward another deep run in Beijing.