© Getty Images Sport – Al Bello
Iga Swiatek joked Frances Tiafoe told her not to be too quick in her US Open first-round match because he would not have time to properly warm up for his opener at Flushing Meadows. On Monday, world No 1 Swiatek made a lightning start to her US Open title defense with a 6-0 6-1 win over Rebecca Peterson on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It took Swiatek 58 minutes to complete a very dominant straight-set win over Peterson. After Swiatek, Tiafoe also handled the business on Arthur Ashe Stadium, beating Learner Tien 6-2 7-5 6-1.
Swiatek jokingly reveals Tiafoe’s message
“Well, Frances told me yesterday, actually, not to make it too quick because he doesn’t have time to warm up or do other stuff.
I’m just kidding. I wanted to play solid and start the tournament with everything that I kinda focused on when I was practicing here for the whole week, so I’m happy that I could play such a great game and I just feel happy that I, with all the pressure and expectations, I can just have fun on court.
I just try to kind of remind myself that I want to develop as a player and that’s the most important thing to me. You know, all the numbers and stuff don’t really matter….
