Iga Swiatek has made a lightning begin to her 2025 season after annihilating Norway’s Malene Helgo on the United Cup 6-1 6-0 in simply over an hour of play.
Going into the match, the five-time Grand Slam champion was thought-about the huge favourite to beat the 404th-ranked Norwegian tennis participant.
And the world No. 2 did not fail to ship for her nation, which now leads Norway 1-0 and will seal its opening victory on the United Cup in Sydney if Hubert Hurkacz beats Casper Ruud within the following match.
Over the previous couple of years, the Polish tennis star has turn out to be identified for bageling rivals – she had 22 bagels in 2022, 23 in 2023, and 14 final season.
That led to the creation of the imaginary “Iga Swiatek bakery” and followers usually photoshopping the 23-year-old handing out donuts and breadsticks.
If judging by her first match of 2025, there might be numerous these this season as nicely.
Iga Swiatek© United Cup/X – Truthful Use
Swiatek received the final 9 video games towards Helgo
The previous world No. 1 clinched an early break and opened a 3-0 lead earlier than the Norwegian managed to get on the board within the fourth recreation.
That turned to be the one recreation that Helgo would win because the four-time French Open champion then went on to win the subsequent 9 video games and seal a straight-set win a powerful approach.
“No, no. Come on. Similar Iga. It’s at all times the identical Iga. I really feel good. I really feel blissful. I’m blissful I can play tennis general… Simply taking every thing step-by-step. Specializing in Aussie swing and we’ll see what’s subsequent,” the Pole mentioned on the courtroom.
If wanted, Swiatek will return to the courtroom for a combined doubles match with Hurkacz.
