Iga Swiatek Fights Back to Beat Anna Kalinskaya 7-6, 6-4 at US Open

Iga Swiatek erased a 5-1 set deficit and saved four set points to beat Anna Kalinskaya 7-6(2), 6-4, reaching her fifth straight US Open Round of 16.

In New York’s electric evening air, Iga Swiatek turned a near-defeat into a masterclass of grit and adaptability, beating Anna Kalinskaya 7-6(2), 6-4 to reach the US Open’s round of 16. This marks her fifth consecutive appearance in the last 16 in Flushing Meadows, proving once again why she’s a force not to be underestimated.

Early Danger: From Dominance to Disarray

Swiatek’s start was precarious. She fell into a deep hole—down 5-1 in the opening set—tested by Kalinskaya’s aggressive returns and unforced errors that crept into her game. The second seed faced four set points, and it looked as though the tournament’s momentum might slip right out of her hands.

But that wasn’t how she plays.

Momentum Shifts in the Tiebreak

Swiatek dug in, winning four straight games to erase the deficit and push the set into a tiebreak. There, she dominated 7-2—turning early nerves into precision play. Her composed forehands, resilient mindset, and adjusted shot selection turned the tide, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Second Set: Closer, Cleaner, Commanding

The second set mirrored the tightening intensity. Breaks came through tactical exchanges and resilient defending. Anna Kalinskaya rattled strike after strike, but Swiatek held firm, finishing 6-4. Her composed closing game—serving out the match—spoke volumes about her growing confidence and match toughness.

Numbers Tell the Story

One glance at the stat sheet underlines why this win was brutal to earn:

The first set featured four set points turned back.

Combined, there were nine service breaks and 67 unforced errors, highlighting just how physical and mental the contest was.

Iga Swiatek credited her late match ability to “thinking, adapting, and staying calm under pressure.”

What This Win Means

Iga Swiatek continues her streak with a 5th straight Round of 16 appearance. Surviving such brush with defeat reinforces her status as a champion-in-the-making. She’ll face 13th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova next—another stern test under the lights.