Iga Swiatek admitted she got "tight" with her game in the second against Suzan Lamens and made some easy mistakes, but also highlighted that she was able to successfully "reset" herself.
After annihilating Emiliana Arango 6-1 6-2 in the US Open first round, Swiatek made a similar start against Lamens, taking the opening set against the world No. 66 with a 6-1 scoreline. When the Pole went up by a break early in the second set, the match appeared to be over. But then, out of nowhere, the 26-year-old Dutch twice recovered from a break down before stunningly taking the second set and forcing a decider.
During the second set, Swiatek hit more unforced errors (12) than winners (9) and allowed six break points and lost her serve three times.
However, when the third set started, the six-time Grand Slam champion went on a big four-game run. Lamens managed to get one break back but it didn't help as the Pole went on to complete a 6-1 4-6 6-4 win.
Swiatek: I got tight in the second set
“It wasn’t an easy match and I made some mistakes. I’m happy that at the end I could be more proactive. I probably got a little tight in the second set and she used the opportunity and was using her chances. It was not easy, but the third set is a reset. I started better in the third than the previous set, and wanted to be confident with my serve and go for it. I’m happy I closed it fast, it wasn’t an easy match, I made some mistakes but I’m happy I could be more proactive at the end," the world No. 2 admitted.
Swiatek also added that she felt everything depended on her out there – and if she managed to hit some shots more cleanly – she situation would change.
In the US Open third round, Swiatek plays against Anna Kalinskaya.
