Iga Swiatek has won her second BNP Paribas Open title after sinking Maria Sakkari in straight sets.
The 22-year-old Pole encountered some resistance early on before storming to a 6-4, 6-0, victory over the world No.9, who she also beat in the final of the same tournament two years ago. Swiatek managed to dictate play with the help of 15 winners and broke her rival five times. Another factor in the clash was Sakkari’s unforced error count of 18.
Swiatek’s latest triumph is the eighth time she has won a WTA 1000 event. Overall, she has won 76 matches at tournaments in this category which is more than anybody else this decade. She has also become the first player on the WTA Tour to have registered a 20th win this season.
“It’s just amazing standing here again,” Swiatek said during the trophy presentation.
“I want to say congratulations to Maria. I know you are one of these players who are always fighting and going through ups and downs. But for me more important is how you are off the court. You are one of the kindest people in the locker room.”
Taking to the court for their sixth meeting on the Tour, Swiatek endured a rollercoaster opening set against Sakkari. Initially, the top seed was in control as she raced to a 3-0 lead with relative ease. Then she started to come undone with her rival using a tactic of moving the Pole around the court and targeting her backhand. An approach Sakkari made after hearing advice from her new coach, David Witt, in the stands.
Facing a stern test, Swiatek nudged ahead to 5-4 before inflicting her next attack. As Sakkari served to stay in the set, the Greek fell behind 0-40 after hitting three consecutive unforced errors. Giving the the world No.1 enough of a margin to go on and seal the 6-4 lead.
In control of proceedings taking place in the second biggest tennis stadium in the world, Swiatek broke yet again early on in the second frame. Drawing frustration from Sakkari who was complaining to her team in the stands.
“I don’t know what to do,” she was heard saying.
Refusing to lessen her intensity and capitalising on a series of costly Sakkari mistakes, Swiatek stormed to victory by sealing the second set 6-0. Becoming the third woman to have produced a bagel in an Indian Wells Final after Steffi Graf in 1994 and Lindsay Davenport in 2000.
“I want to thank my team for everything. Every little thing that we work on ends up working,” Swiatek commented.
“Thank you to you guys (the crowd) for making this place feel like home. Every year I come here I feel a really positive vibe because of you.” She added.
There are positives for Sakkari despite her comprehensive loss. At the event, she beat reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff to reach her first tour-level final since September. Indian Wells was the first time she has played an event with her new coach Witt, who has previously worked with Jessica Pegula and Venus Williams.
“Sorry I couldn’t put on a better fight,” said Sakkari.
“Credit to Iga, you’re an amazing player, a very good person and an incredible champion. You really deserve the best. I hope we can play a lot more finals and face each other.”
Swiatek will next play at the Miami Open later this month.
