Swiatek Keeps Rolling in Wuhan; Osaka Edges Through in a Thriller
7 October 2025
Swiatek Cruises to a 60th Win of the Year in Wuhan
Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the Wuhan Open, extending a remarkable year with consistent, high‑quality tennis.
With this result, Swiatek registered her 60th win of the season, becoming the only player in the current century to reach at least 60 wins for four consecutive years. Martina Hingis and Lindsay Davenport were the last to achieve a similar run decades ago.
Swiatek dominated Bouzkova’s serve, winning 31 of 51 return points and breaking six times in a brisk 79-minute affair.
In the next round, the 24-year-old Pole will meet the winner of the second-round clash between Belinda Bencic and Elise Mertens, both very much in form.
Osaka Edges Through in a Three-Set Thriller
In the day’s standout, Naomi Osaka, ranked 11, came from a set down to beat Leylah Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 after two hours and 30 minutes of intense tennis. This marked Osaka’s first Wuhan win since her 2017 appearance in the event. The match lasted 150 minutes, with Osaka tallying 41 winners to 56 unforced errors.
The rivalry between Osaka and Fernandez had not been renewed since the 2021 US Open third round, a match Fernandez won on her way to the final. After the hard-fought victory, Osaka said the contest was mentally challenging but she was happy to get through and hopes things will become easier as the season progresses.
Osaka now advances to face Czech teenager Linda Noskova, who edged Kazakhstan’s Julia Putintseva 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7-2) in a tight opener.
Other Notables and Heat-Related Decisions
Russian Ludmilla Samsonova, the 16th seed, advanced with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Emilija Arango and will meet American Sofia Kenin, who beat Anastasia Zakharova 3-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-3. Romanian Jacqueline Cristian defeated American Mackenzie Kisler 6-7(6-8), 6-0, 6-3 to set up a clash with eighth seed Elena Rybakina, who had a first-round bye.
In another notable match, Emma Raducanu withdrew due to illness after trailing 1-6, 1-4 to Anne Li. Heat rules were in effect, allowing time for rest and leading to pauses and roof adjustments to protect players. Elina Ostapenko also retired against Sorana Cirstea after losing the first set 0-6 and trailing 1-2 in the second.
Overall, the day highlighted how tough conditions and tight scorelines can redefine expectations as the tournament progresses.
Punchline 1: In Wuhan, even the ball has a better cardio plan than most of us on a Monday.
Punchline 2: When the heat is as intense as the rallies, the only thing cooler is the victory dance after a hard-fought win.
