“I’ve missed this feeling”| Swiatek on ‘flawless’ performance against Kasatkina

Iga Świątek, the world No. 1 tennis player, shared a moment of pure joy after delivering a spectacular performance against Daria Kasatkina at the 2024 tournament in Stuttgart. In a match that showcased Świątek’s trademark intensity, precision, and poise, the Polish star made a strong statement about her return to top form following a challenging stretch of inconsistent results earlier in the season.

Świątek defeated Kasatkina in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1, in what was a clinical and almost flawless display of tennis. The victory not only sent her into the next round of the tournament but also marked a significant milestone in her quest to regain her previous dominance on the WTA tour. After the match, she spoke candidly about the emotions she was experiencing, highlighting the importance of such a performance.

“I’ve missed this feeling,” Świątek admitted, referring to the satisfaction of playing at her best and executing her game plan to perfection. “When everything clicks, when the forehand is firing, when the serve is working, when you feel in control of every point – that’s the feeling I’ve been looking for.”

A Return to Form
For Świątek, the win against Kasatkina came after a period of adjusting to the pressures of maintaining her No. 1 ranking and dealing with the expectations that accompany it. Although she has long been regarded as one of the most complete players in women’s tennis, the start of 2024 had been a bit rocky by her high standards. She had struggled to find consistent rhythm in some of her matches, facing stiff competition and occasional upsets.

However, the performance against Kasatkina demonstrated that Świątek is finding her groove once again. The match was a masterclass in aggressive baseline play, with Świątek dictating rallies and overpowering her opponent from the very first point. Her footwork was fluid, her movement sharp, and her ability to hit the ball with precision and power was evident throughout.

In particular, Świątek’s forehand stood out as one of her most potent weapons. She hit multiple winners down the line, often catching Kasatkina off-guard and leaving her with little time to react. Her serve, which had been a bit erratic in some earlier matches, was much more consistent and effective against the Russian, allowing her to dominate service games with ease.

Kasatkina’s Challenges
Kasatkina, a talented and accomplished player in her own right, found herself on the back foot for most of the match. Although she showed glimpses of her usual creative shot-making, she was unable to consistently find answers to Świątek’s onslaught. The Polish No. 1’s aggressive style was simply too much for the Russian, who had no real opportunity to impose her game on the match.

“Iga played amazing,” Kasatkina acknowledged after the loss. “She was just unstoppable today. There was nothing I could do. She played flawless tennis.”

While the result may have been disappointing for Kasatkina, it served as a testament to Świątek’s resurgence. The world No. 1 was executing her strategy with deadly precision, leaving little to chance.

The Road Ahead
For Świątek, this performance was a reminder of why she’s been so dominant on the WTA tour. Having claimed multiple Grand Slam titles, including two French Open crowns, she is widely recognized as one of the most well-rounded players in the game. Yet, the mental and physical demands of staying at the top of the rankings can sometimes take a toll, which is why moments like these are so significant for her. The feeling of playing near-perfect tennis is something she craves and knows is the key to achieving her long-term goals.

“I think I needed this kind of match,” Świątek reflected. “It reminds me why I love the game so much and why I push myself every day to improve. When everything comes together, it’s so rewarding.”

With this dominant win under her belt, Świątek will look to carry this momentum into the next stages of the tournament, where tougher challenges lie ahead. If she can maintain this level of play, there’s no doubt she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the WTA tour. For now, she can savor the satisfaction of a performance that brought her back to the heights of her potential—and the feeling she’s missed for so long.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Iga Świątek, watching to see if this “flawless” version of her game becomes her new normal.