Unstoppable Swiatek takes the lead in Rome

More sovereign than ever, Iga Swiatek won the first act of the WTA 1000 Rome final with great authority. Up against a determined but far too erratic Aryna Sabalenka, the Pole was already one set away from the title (6-2 in 36 minutes).

Quick to break her opponent, she managed the important points perfectly (2 break points converted out of 3). Amazingly solid, she withstood her opponent's fiery shots to win the 1st set.

Far too nervous up to this point, the world number 2 will have to show a completely different face if she is to be able to put a doubt in the mind of an almost untouchable opponent. The equation is simple for the Belarussian: either she manages to bring much more intensity to her game and drastically reduce her number of unforced errors, or the final risks turning into a demonstration.