Start as you mean to go on! @iga_swiatek becomes the third #POL person to win an @olympics singles match after beating Mona Barthel 6-2, 6-2 #Tokyo2020 | #Tennis
"I really feel the Olympic vibe" - Swiatek after opening Tokyo Olympic Games with Barthel win
WTASaturday, 24 July 2021 at 15:30
Iga Swiatek opened up the Tokyo Olympic Games on Centre Court after Naomi Osaka's opener was moved a day to account for her Opening Ceremony role.
The former Roland Garros champion stuck to the task at hand and produced a performance worthy of a champion with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Mona Barthel.
“It was amazing,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting that. I know that they changed the schedule yesterday, but it was a special moment for me. I know that right now I really feel the Olympic vibe.”
The 20-year-old also discussed the conditions and not being used to the heat but that it's getting easier by the day with Paula Badosa next up in what is bound to be a quality tie.
"It is humid,” she admitted. “I’m not used to it. My perfect weather is in Great Britain or maybe [the weather] at 2020 Roland Garros!
“It’s hard to get used to it, but we gave myself time, we came to Takasaki [about 100km north of Tokyo] before going to the Olympic village to get used to the jetlag, humidity, and right now it’s much, much easier [than when I arrived].
“But still, when the stress comes and all the different factors that you have on that match, it’s different. I’m happy I’m in the second round and I can just get the experience.”
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