Iga Swiatek continued her steady yet understated progress at Wimbledon, overcoming a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round. Despite being a five-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 for 125 weeks, Swiatek’s presence at the All England Club remains oddly quiet. Her grass-court résumé is still under construction, and with only one previous quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon, she often flies under the radar unless she makes a deep run.
Seeded eighth this year following a drop in the rankings, Swiatek found herself tested early. McNally, ranked 208 and playing on a protected ranking after a long injury layoff, showed impressive aggression. Coming forward with intent, the American clawed her way back from 1-4 down to steal the opening set. But Swiatek, known for her mental resilience, responded with renewed focus. She dominated the next two sets, rediscovering her rhythm and playing with the authority expected of a multiple major winner.
Swiatek explained that she had felt in control despite the first set loss. Her confidence in her game allowed her to regroup and raise her intensity. Her serve became more consistent, and her baseline play took command. Although her grass-court instincts are still developing her net transitions remain cautious, and she sometimes opts for conservative responses rather than finishing points with smashes her ability to adapt mid-match was evident.
The contest was also a reunion of sorts. Swiatek and McNally share a history, having partnered to win the junior doubles title at Roland Garros in 2018. Swiatek also won the junior Wimbledon title that year but suffered a painful loss to McNally in the semi-finals in Paris, a defeat she recalled as one of the toughest of her junior days. Their embrace at the net was a testament to mutual respect and friendship. Swiatek expressed her happiness at seeing McNally back on court and acknowledged her opponent’s potential to excel again.
Up next for the Polish star is Danielle Collins, a powerful player who recently beat her on clay in Rome. Should Swiatek prevail, a tantalising fourth-round clash with 2022 champion Elena Rybakina could await. Rybakina looked sharp in her win over Maria Sakkari, cruising to a 6-3, 6-1 victory.
Meanwhile, defending champion Barbora Krejcikova had to dig deep to overcome Caroline Dolehide in three sets. Krejcikova now faces 10th seed Emma Navarro, a quarter-finalist last year. Also through is rising Russian star Mirra Andreeva, the seventh seed, who overcame a second-set scare to beat Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 7-6 (4). With a wide-open draw and several contenders finding form, the Wimbledon women’s draw is heating up fast.
