Iga Swiatek has really been something to watch at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, breezing through the early rounds without losing a single set. The world No. 3 took care of business against Anastasia Potapova, Sorana Cirstea, and Anna Kalinskaya, showcasing her usual precision. She got a bit of a break on her way to the semifinals when Marta Kostyuk had to withdraw because of an injury. That left Swiatek feeling fresh and ready for a big match against Elena Rybakina.
Even with the blazing heat in Ohio causing several players to drop out during matches, Swiatek’s sharp performances really highlight how adaptable and resilient she is. Even for someone as skilled as Swiatek, the intense heat has been quite a tough hurdle to overcome. In Cincinnati, the temperatures have been sticking around the mid-30s Celsius, which is in the low 90s Fahrenheit. The humidity really cranks up the heat, making those on-court conditions feel pretty intense.
It’s been tough out there for players like Francis Tiafoe and Arthur Rinderknech, who have had to deal with collapses or take medical timeouts. It really shows just how demanding this tournament can be on their bodies. Swiatek, on the other hand, hasn’t just gotten through it; she’s really flourished, pointing to a few small but important tweaks that have helped her manage things better.
As reported by TNT Sports, Iga Swiatek explained, stating, “This kind of heat is like something that we just need to survive, and it’s not like we can’t. I think, maybe giving five more seconds to use the towel or have more time to breathe, because it’s a bit harder, that would be nice. But besides that, I think we can handle it. It’s nice that we have the ice towels on a bench and the AC kind of next to us. So, this is for sure helpful. Without it, I think it would be much worse. But the only thing would be to maybe have two more seconds to use the towel. I’ll always be the player to ask for that.”
Swiatek’s tips go beyond just toughing it out. She pointed out how crucial things like ice towels and air conditioning by the bench are, saying they really make a difference in those tough conditions. She still suggests some small changes to the rules, like allowing more time to use towels between points, to help deal with the heat.
Source: Instagram/Iga Swiatek
This idea comes from her own experiences, not just from complaining. So, the next match for the Polish tennis star is shaping up to be quite interesting!
Neither Iga Swiatek nor her opponent is going to hold back
Iga Swiatek is gearing up for her semifinal match against Elena Rybakina, and it’s pretty clear that she’s got her eyes on both her performance and the well-being of her fellow players. The Kazakh player, who took down Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, is definitely a tough challenge.
However, Swiatek holds a 5-4 advantage in their matchups, including three wins in a row, which might give her a bit of a mental edge. No matter if the Polish tennis star ends up lifting the trophy, her Cincinnati campaign has already shown us how to handle tough conditions like a pro.
Swiatek’s strategies, like keeping things short in rallies and making the most of recovery time, really provide a great guide for others facing the tough challenges in the sport. She said it best: survival isn’t just something we can do—it’s all about adapting wisely.
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