The match between Anna Kalinskaya and Iga Swiatek delivered a striking three-set narrative, defined by alternating phases of complete dominance rather than sustained balance.
Each set belonged decisively to one player, creating a contest shaped more by momentum shifts than gradual tactical adjustments.
Swiatek sets the tone
As the clear favorite, Swiatek entered the match aggressively and imposed her authority immediately. The world No. 2 dictated play from the baseline, breaking serve early and frequently on her way to a commanding 6–1 first set.
At that stage, the match appeared to be moving toward a routine outcome.
Kalinskaya responds emphatically
The second set, however, brought a dramatic reversal. Kalinskaya raised her level sharply, finding depth and timing that disrupted Swiatek’s rhythm. With confidence growing, the Russian took control of the rallies and mirrored the opening set scoreline, winning the second set 6–1 and forcing a decider.
Control restored in the decider
In the third set, Swiatek responded with the authority expected of a player operating at the top of the game. She quickly regained control, reestablishing her patterns and intensity to dominate the deciding set and close out the match.
Context beyond the result
Swiatek has alternated between the No. 1 and No. 2 positions for the past four seasons, and this year she appears fully committed to reclaiming the top spot. That task, however, will not be straightforward if Aryna Sabalenka continues her strong run of form.
Kalinskaya, who narrowly missed the top 10 in 2024 with a career-high ranking of No. 11, has since slipped to No. 32 in the WTA rankings. Despite the loss, her second-set performance highlighted the level she is capable of producing against elite opposition.
As the intensity of the tournament continues to rise, attention now turns to Day 7, where physical and mental demands are expected to increase further.
By Hameltion – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iga_%C5%9Awi%C4%85tek_(2023_US_Open)_38.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=170034006
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137119822