Swiatek after defeating Garcia: "You never know what you're going to get on the other side of the net"
Iga Swiatek will attempt to defend her title at Indian Wells. Crowned last year in the California desert with a victory over Maria Sakkari, the Polish world number 2 delivered a highly polished performance in her opening match this year against Caroline Garcia (6-2, 6-0).
Swiatek, who has not reached a single final this season despite two semifinal appearances at the Australian Open and Doha, is eager to return to winning ways on the WTA tour, having not claimed a title since her fourth triumph at Roland-Garros last summer.
After her victory against the Frenchwoman, Swiatek is optimistic about her level of play and expressed satisfaction at having cleared this round during her post-match press conference.
"I'm happy to have stayed solid until the end and to have adapted well to the conditions. The first matches in these kinds of tournaments are not easy, and I didn't know what to expect from Caro, but I'm glad I was able to dictate the play from the start.
I'm solid no matter the score, and I don't take matches for granted. Even if I'm leading 4-0, I know I have to keep playing the same way and maintain the same attitude to win the match.
The matches I lose are usually much tighter, which means it's harder to beat me, I guess, but that's okay.
I'll have matches that are big battles and some that are a bit easier, but you can never expect a well-defined scenario or predict anything, it doesn't make sense.
Honestly, I feel like the players who play against me can be incredible in one match or play a bit below their usual level. You never know what you're going to get on the other side of the net.
I try not to think about it too much. My mentality and way of thinking are always the same before a match, I'll prepare tactically against Dayana, and Wim (Fissette, her coach) will analyze her game here, because that's the most important thing," explained Swiatek, who will face Dayana Yastremska in the next round.
Indian Wells 
