SEOUL, South Korea — Top-ranked Iga Świątek rallied from a shaky start to triumph over second-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova with a score of 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5, clinching the Korea Open title on Sunday.
Świątek faced significant challenges, dropping her serve five times, losing the ace count 6-2, and accumulating nine double-faults. In a hard-fought battle that lasted nearly three hours at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center, she actually recorded fewer points than Alexandrova.
Even Świątek was astonished by her own victory.
“First and foremost, I want to commend Ekaterina for her remarkable performance this week and in this final,” said the No. 2-ranked Świątek. “Honestly, I’m still unsure how I pulled that off because you played exceptionally well, and I was just trying to keep myself in the match.”
She acknowledged Alexandrova’s impressive start, noting how she quickly dominated the first set in just 30 minutes.
“I hope we meet in more finals, as it’s always a tough yet thrilling match against you,” Świątek added. “But it’s definitely entertaining.”
Świątek’s rich experience ultimately guided her through the tough match.
This victory marks the six-time Grand Slam champion’s third title of the season and her 25th overall. The 24-year-old from Poland also secured the Cincinnati Open title last month and celebrated her first Wimbledon title in July.
Her WTA finals record improved to 25-5, and she also celebrated a personal achievement.
“I’m thrilled to win here, especially considering my family history,” she mentioned. “My dad wasn’t able to win at the Olympics (here), but at least I’ve claimed this tournament title. I hope he’ll be able to come next year to enjoy it all.”
Tomasz Świątek, her father, represented Poland as a rower during the 1988 Summer Games held in Seoul.
