Swiatek Advances Wuhan Open Amid Heat Retirements, Sets 60th Win of 2025

Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, had a strong performance at the Wuhan Open, advancing to the third round with a dominant straight-sets victory over Marie Bouzkova. Swiatek's win marked a quick recovery after a rare loss in Beijing, showcasing her consistent form with a 6-1, 6-1 result while breaking Bouzkova's serve six times in just 79 minutes. The Wuhan Open is a pivotal event as Swiatek aims to close the significant ranking points gap with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who currently holds a 2,447-point lead. Although Swiatek cannot claim the No. 1 spot this week, her performance in Wuhan could materially impact the year-end rankings, especially as she competes against Sabalenka's hold on the top position. Both players are the top contenders in the final WTA 1000 event of 2025, with the tournament serving as a crucial build-up to the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Swiatek's consistent display and strategic wins highlight her potential to challenge Sabalenka for the top ranking in the season's closing stages.