In a thrilling Sunday showdown at the WTA 500 Korea Open, Iga Swiatek emerged as the champion after a remarkable comeback against Ekaterina Alexandrova, culminating in a final score of 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. This match took place at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center and showcased Swiatek’s resilience, even as she battled through a challenging opening set.
Reflecting on her victory, Swiatek shared the emotional significance of the win, noting the historical connection her family has to the tournament. “I’m happy that I could win here because of the family history. My dad couldn’t win the Olympics [here], but at least I won this tournament. So, hopefully, he’s going to come next year to enjoy everything,” she said afterward, emphasizing the personal stakes involved.
Despite her final triumph, Swiatek faced a tough contest, dropping serve five times and recording a notably high number of nine double faults, while also winning fewer points than her opponent throughout the match. Alexandrova, ranked 11th in the world and seeded second in the tournament, started strong, claiming the first set in just half an hour and breaking Swiatek in the first game.
The second set saw a shift in momentum; Swiatek broke Alexandrova early, only to have the Russian respond by breaking back. The tension built throughout the set, leading to a tiebreak where Swiatek finally took control, going on to win 7-3.
The decisive third set saw Swiatek initially struggle, falling behind after three double faults in a single game, leading to a 2-1 deficit. However, demonstrating her trademark fighting spirit, she managed to level the set at 3-3 before taking the lead. As the match drew to a close, Swiatek faced a moment of high pressure, serving at 5-4 with Alexandrova attempting to stay in contention. With determination, Swiatek capitalized on her opportunity, sealing the victory with a powerful cross-court forehand on her second match point.
Across the match statistics, Alexandrova outperformed Swiatek in several areas, including aces (6 to 2), double faults (6 to 9), and overall points won (108 to 97). Yet, it was Swiatek’s ability to excel in critical moments that ultimately secured her 25th career title and the third of the 2025 season.
Although Swiatek is currently ranked second in both the PIF WTA Rankings and the Race to the WTA Finals, her latest title adds a significant chapter to her legacy, particularly with the personal connection to her family’s history in South Korea.
The Korea Open concluded amid weather disruptions throughout the week, leaving a high-quality final to cap off the event effectively. In the doubles division, the Czech duo of Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova triumphed over Maya Joint and Caty McNally with a score of 6-3, 7-6(6), adding to their accolades while Siniakova reclaimed the WTA doubles No. 1 ranking, closely chasing historical records.
This tournament highlighted the unpredictable nature of tennis and reinforced the notion that tenacity can often overshadow raw statistics in determining a champion. Swiatek’s inspiring comeback will be remembered as a testament to her mental fortitude and skill on the court.
