Iga Swiatek has set a new record for the lowest number of games dropped en route to winning a WTA title. This week in Doha, Swiatek lost a total of five games on her way to defending her title at the tournament. After a first-round bye, Swiatek destroyed Danielle Collins 6-0 6-1 in the round-of-16.
Then, Swiatek was given a walkover by Belinda Bencic before dismantling Veronika Kudermetova 6-0 6-1 to reach the final. In the Doha final, Swiatek delivered another bagel as she ousted second-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-0.
With just five games dropped, Swiatek has set a new record in the Open Era for the lowest number of games dropped en route to winning a title.
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by losing just 5 games* to win a WTA event, Iga Swiatek sets a new record for the lowest number of games conceded
*she played just 3 matches, all the others here had at least 4
via @WTA pic.twitter.com/5PzsulLwuB — Diego Barbiani (@Diego_Barbiani) February 18, 2023
Swiatek: I don’t care how many games I lost or won
When Swiatek was asked about her astonishing Doha run, she insisted the most important thing was to win the title and bounce back from a disappointing Australian Open.
“For sure the bye helped, honestly, I don’t care how many games I won or lost, I feel like I really found my rhythm here after a tough beginning of the season,” Swiatek said, per Tennis Majors.
Defending the title she won last year, @iga_swiatek is a two-time Doha champion ðð
“For sure the bye helped…honestly, I don’t care how many games I won or lost, I feel like I really found my rhythm here after a tough beginning of the season.” — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) February 18, 2023
12 months ago, Swiatek won Doha and then showed her support for Ukraine.
Today, Swiatek defended her Doha title and again remembered Ukraine. “When I sat there I had a throwback to last year, that was the first tournament that I had a chance to make a speech when the war started in Ukraine. We have pretty short memories.
We should all support Ukrainians with everything they are coping with every day. It’s disappointing this situation is not changing, but hopefully they will stay strong,” Swiatek said.
“We should all support Ukrainians with everything they are coping with every day.
It’s disappointing this situation is not changing, but hopefully they will stay strong.” — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) February 18, 2023
Meanwhile, Swiatek now has her first title of the 2023 season. Next week, Swiatek will be competing in Dubai. Since Swiatek didn’t spend much time on the court in Doha, she will probably still feel fresh in Doha.
