Iga Swiatek isn’t sorry to serve 36th 6-0 set at WTA 1000s after Doha win

DOHA, Qatar—Iga Swiatek’s cell phone proved her biggest opp in her return to action at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Tuesday; the former world No. 1 had to silence her ringer multiple times when talking to the press after a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Janice Tjen.

“I should really answer that!” Swiatek said as she dashed back towards the locker room.

Otherwise, it was a strong day at the office for the three-time Doha champion, who ceded just three games to the fast-rising Indonesian, who received a wild card into the main draw.

But it was Swiatek who served notice, and her 36th 6-0 set at a WTA 1000 tournament—a record since 2009. Asked about her dominant win, the Pole confessed she had no regrets about the scoreline:

Q. This is your 36th 6-0 set in WTA 1000 events, the most for any player. Have you ever felt sorry or like giving one game away at a certain point?

IGA SWIATEK: I think when I was younger, I felt that way. But later on, you know, you just want to win it. It’s sports, so it doesn’t make sense to stop or play 80%. I’m here to perform my best. I also always felt it wouldn’t be respectful towards the opponent to give them something because we’re here to play our best. I always just try to focus on myself and that’s it.

Swiatek will aim to be equally dominant in her next match against Daria Kasatkina, whom she leads 6-1 in their head-to-head.