Iga Swiatek made a dominant start to her Wuhan Open campaign, easing past Marie Bouzkova to reach the last 16.
Swiatek was in complete control against the world number 41, rolling to a 6-1, 6-1 win over the Czech on Tuesday.
She went into the match looking to respond after a frustrating showing at the China Open, where she lost in the round of 16 and racked up an uncharacteristic 70 unforced errors.
Swiatek has been nearly flawless in early-round matches this season, consistently showing a level above many of her fellow WTA players. That trend continued on Tuesday as she set another mark to add to her growing list of records.
Swiatek’s opening round streak reaches 68 matches
The Polish star has spoken before about not always keeping track of her own stats, even as the numbers start to pile up.
Her latest win in Wuhan adds another record to the list: she’s now the first player to start the China Open with eight straight wins.
OptaAce noted that Swiatek has also won 68 consecutive opening matches at WTA-level events, including the United Cup and WTA Finals.
No one else has put together a streak like this since the Tier format was brought in back in 1990. Swiatek sits alone at the top of that list.
The draw could set up a familiar matchup next, as she faces either Elena Rybakina or Maria Sakkari. If it ends up being Rybakina, it would be a rematch of their Wimbledon semi-final from earlier this year.
Potential Swiatek-Bencic rematch looms at Wuhan Open
If Belinda Bencic manages to get past Elise Mertens, she’ll set up a meeting with Iga Swiatek in the round of 16 at the Wuhan Open.
The two have faced each other five times on the WTA Tour, with Swiatek holding a 4-1 advantage in their head-to-head record.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic breaks another Roger Federer record following latest Shanghai Masters victory
semi-finals of Wimbledon 2025, where Swiatek cruised to a dominant 6-2, 6-0 win over Bencic.
Swiatek went on to lift her first Wimbledon title, delivering a rare double bagel against Amanda Anisimova in the final.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
