Cincinnati Open: Iga Swiatek thanks coach after outfit change results in win over Quinwen Zhang

World number one Iga Swiatek credited her coach for proposing an outfit change after going down in the first set after her win over Zheng Qinwen of China in the ongoing Cincinnati Open.

Speaking after her match, Siwatek thanked her coach after he asked her to change outfits following her first set loss. Swiatek beat Zheng 3-6 6-1 6-1 in the round of 16 stage.

“Honestly, it’s because of my coach, he told me a couple of months ago that after losing a set, it might be a good idea to change your outfit so that you can kinda reset and go into the second set on a different vibe. I thought this was bullsh*t but I tried this time and it worked, so thank you coach,” said Swiatek.

Swiatek’s start was far from ideal. The Polish tennis star initially struggled in the windy conditions against the Chinese number one, dropping the first set 3-6. Zheng deftly utilised the weather in her favour, gaining a 3-0 double-break lead early in the set. She refused to ease her pressure, and maintained her stand till the end of the set, resulting in the Pole sending a long forehand that conceded the set to Zheng.

Undaunted, Swiatek made an interesting strategic move. She switched her white outfit for a black one, trying to reset her mindset and rejuvenate her game. The change worked wonders. She played with renewed determination, showing enhanced conviction in her strokes and broke Zheng’s serve thrice for a 5-0 lead, forcing the game into a decider.

With her confidence restored, Swiatek dominated the final set. Capitalising on Zheng’s serve, she broke it twice for a 5-0 lead, and sealed the win on her serve when Zheng sent a wayward forehand. The match culminated in a comeback 3-6 6-1 6-1 victory for Swiatek, signifying her resilience and effectiveness under pressure, even when trailing against the run of play.

Next in line for Swiatek is Wimbledon champion, Marketa Vondrousova, who beat Sloane Stephens 7-5 6-3, converting four of the five break points. It promises to be an enthralling clash in the quarter-finals with both players boasting remarkable victories in their previous matches and showcasing strong forms in the tournament.