Iga Swiatek is now rivalling Serena Williams after winning her first match at the Cincinnati Open

Iga Swiatek has continued her strong form after Wimbledon, winning her first match at the Cincinnati Open.

Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates defeating Anastasia Potapova in the second round on Day 3 of the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 09, 2025 in Mason, Ohio

In July, Swiatek stunned onlookers by winning the Wimbledon Ladies Singles final 6-0 6-0 over Amanda Anisimova, and after being shocked by Clara Tauson at the Canadian Open, the Pole has returned to winning ways in Cincinnati.

The Pole defeated Russia’s Anastasia Potapova 6-1 6-4 on Centre Court.

The six-time Grand Slam champion is only 24 years old, and will likely be considered one of the greats when she calls time on her career.

In fact, Swiatek has already put herself in the same conversation as Serena Williams.

Iga Swiatek rivals Serena Williams’ record

Serena Williams is quite possibly the greatest player in the history of tennis. To be mentioned in the same sentence as her proves you are doing something right.

In Iga Swiatek’s case, this sentiment is absolutely correct.

As per OptaAce, Iga Swiatek is the player with fewest matches taken to 300 wins at WTA-level [excluding the Billie Jean King Cup] since Serena Williams at the 2006 Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek achieved the feat in 372 matches, while Serena Williams achieved the same total in 360 matches.

After defeating Potapova, the Pole will face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the round of 32.

Swiatek has never won the Cincinnati Open. In 2024, she reached the semi-finals before losing to world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka went on to win the title, defeating America’s Jessica Pegula in the final.

Swiatek’s dominant record versus Kostyuk

Marta Kostyuk has struggled to make an impact against Iga Swiatek when they have played previously.In fact, the Ukrainian has failed to win a set in their three meetings so far.The pair first met in 2021 at the French Open. Swiatek, who was seeded eighth, comfortably won the contest 6-3 6-4.

They met again three years later in the semi-finals of Indian Wells. Again Swiatek dominated, winning 6-2 6-1.

Their last contest came at last year’s Cincinnati contest, with Swiatek again dominating. The Pole won 6-2 6-2.