Sunday, 3 April 2022

New #1 Swiatek dominates Miami

Final day in Miami.

2022 Miami Open presented by Itaú  a WTA 1000 tournament, on Hard Laykold, in Miami, Florida, USA, 22 March - 3 April 2022.

2021 champion (not defending):
Ashleigh Barty (1) who defeated Bianca Andreescu (8) 6-3 4-0 (retired)

Final:


Naomi Osaka (Japan) v Iga Swiatek (2) (Poland)


The pair had met once before - Toronto 2019 - with Osaka winning a round of sixteen match in straight sets.

At the time, Swiatek was ranked #65, and had to win through qualifying to make the main draw.

Osaka was the #2 seed.


For this final, Swiatek #2 seed and Osaka ranked #77.


Before the final, Swiatek was on a winning streak of 16 matches.

In her seventh final, she was aiming to win her sixth title, and third in 2022.


Osaka, in her eleventh final, was aiming to collect an eighth title, the last two being the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open.


Osaka served first, and despite four aces, it took seven deuces and two break points to be saved, before serve was held.

Swiatek levelled in quick time.


In game five, Osaka netted a backhand and followed with a double fault, giving Swiatek two break points.

One was saved when Swiatek’s forehand was long. However a backhand winner from the second seed confirmed the break, and she led 3-2.


Swiatek consolidated for 4-2, then Osaka saved a break point to avoid going down a double break.


Serving at 5-4, Swiatek surrendered just a single point and took the set 6-4.


Swiatek broke both the first and second service games of Osaka in set two and led 3-0.

For the first time in the match, Swiatek was taken to deuce, but she still held serve and the advantage was 4-0.


In game five, Swiatek hit her tenth forehand winner, and then a backhand winner. 

A double fault from Osaka presented Swiatek with three break points.

One saved with a forehand winner. The next Osaka forehand landed out and Swiatek would serve for the match.


At 5-0, Swiatek missed one forehand, but from there served her way to victory 6-4 6-0.


With the retirement of Ashleigh Barty, Iga Swiatek will become the new world number one, and she has stamped her authority by winning the past three WTA 1000 titles.

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