World No 1 Iga Swiatek cruised to a second Indian Wells title and eighth WTA 1000 victory of her profession as she beat Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-0 following a ruthless end.
Swiatek additionally defeated Sakkari within the 2022 BNP Paribas Open closing, profitable 6-4 6-1 on that event, and he or she rushed by way of the second set on Sunday as properly to assert her second title of the yr, after the Qatar Open in February.
The Pole, who has misplaced solely two of her 10 WTA 1000 finals, raced right into a 3-0 lead within the first set earlier than being pegged again however she broke her Greek opponent once more within the tenth recreation, clinching the set with a rasping forehand down the road.
Swiatek, the primary No 1 seed to win at Indian Wells since Victoria Azarenka in 2012, was unstoppable within the second set, breaking to like to wrap up the match, and can now look so as to add to her trophy haul on the Miami Open, which runs from March 19-31, stay on Sky Sports activities.
She mentioned: “I want to thank my team. I don’t even know what for! Every little thing that we work on works on the court. We’re going to celebrate! Thank you for making this feel like home.”
Swiatek extends wonderful document in finals
Swiatek didn’t drop a set within the event and misplaced simply 21 video games throughout her six matches.
Swiatek’s document in all WTA finals is 19-4, with the 22-year-old profitable six in a row since being crushed by Aryna Sabalenka in a three-setter on the Madrid Open in Could 2023.
Sakkari was bidding to win her second WTA 1000 occasion, after the 2023 Guadalajara Open in Mexico, however was outgunned in California as Swiatek prolonged her lead on the prime of the world rankings.
Swiatek and Sakkari are actually locked at 3-3 in profession conferences, with Swiatek profitable the final three in straight units – twice within the Indian Wells closing and likewise within the Doha semi-finals in 2022.
Sakkari mentioned after her defeat: “Sorry I couldn’t put up a better fight. Credit to Iga. You’re an amazing player and an incredible champion. I’m really hoping we can play a lot more finals.”
Navratilova: Swiatek is essentially the most full participant
Martina Navratilova, chatting with Sky Sports activities Tennis:
“Iga might not be the quickest player out there but she’s the most complete player out there and it really shows up on slow courts like this.”
Tim Henman, chatting with Sky Sports activities Tennis:
“When a lot of players go down the line it looks like a high-risk strategy, but Iga is still playing with that element of spin, therefore she’s got that net clearance and she is able to open up her opponents.
“To have the ability to go down each wings and dictate by going cross-court or down the road is a superb mixture and why she’s having the success she is.”
How to watch Sky Sports Tennis
Sky Sports activities will broadcast over 4,000 matches from greater than 80 tournaments a yr on the ATP and WTA Excursions, plus full protection of the US Open.
Non-Sky subscribers can stream tennis with a NOW Sports activities Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
Get Sky Sports activities on WhatsApp
Now you can obtain messages and alerts for the newest breaking sports activities information, evaluation, in-depth options and movies from our devoted WhatsApp channel. Discover out extra right here…