Iga Świątek Battles Back From Slow Start To Clinch Korea Open Crown

Iga Świątek showed once again why she’s among the elite of women’s tennis, recovering from a disastrous first set to win the Korea Open title in a gripping final against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Iga Świątek Stages Comeback to Lift Korea Open Trophy

The world No. 2 looked out of sorts early on, committing a series of uncharacteristic errors as Alexandrova stormed through the opening set 6–1. Świątek’s signature rhythm was nowhere to be found in those early stages of the match. But instead of crumbling, the Polish star took a moment off court to reset, and gradually clawed her way back into contention.

The second set grew tight and tense, with each player trading blows. Świątek’s composure paid off when she edged out Alexandrova in the tiebreak, 7–6 (7–3), leveling the match and shifting momentum. In the decider, she finally found her form — sharper footwork, cleaner shotmaking, and a determined mindset. She broke Alexandrova’s resistance to take the set 7–5 and lift the trophy.

This title marks Świątek’s third of the season and her first ever in Seoul, a particularly poignant victory given her personal ties to the city: her father, Tomasz, was a rower in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Świątek noted the emotional significance, saying, “My dad couldn’t win the Olympics but at least I won this tournament.”

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It was not an easy path—Alexandrova, seeded No. 2 in the event, had been playing with confidence all week and was just two points away from sealing the title herself. But Świątek refused to yield, never letting the pressure break her spirit. After the match, she admitted she wasn’t even sure how she prevailed: “Honestly, I don’t know how I won it … I just tried to stay alive.”

The turnaround in Seoul underscores Świątek’s resilience and mental toughness—hallmarks that have long made her a nightmare opponent. As the season winds down, this win adds another highlight to her campaign and sends a stern message to her rivals: even on her off nights, Świątek remains a force to be reckoned with.

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