“I started playing more brave”: Iga Swiatek explains stunning turnaround against Donna Vekic in Beijing
WTA
Iga Swiatek was dangerously close to another early exit in China Open before producing a remarkable turnaround against Donna Vekic. The former world No. 1 trailed 4-6, 2-5 and appeared to be heading towards one of the more surprising defeats of her season, but she found another level when the match seemed to be slipping away.
Swiatek eventually recovered to win 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in two hours and 40 minutes, extending her perfect record against Vekic to five victories from five meetings. The comeback was particularly impressive because the Pole had struggled to find answers during the opening stages and was unable to make the most of her opportunities.
The 2023 China Open champion completely changed the momentum late in the second set, breaking Vekic twice to level at 5-5 before producing a perfect tiebreak. Swiatek won all seven points in the tiebreak and carried that momentum into the deciding set, where she recovered from an early exchange of breaks before taking control.
The victory keeps Swiatek's season alive on two fronts. She has reached the last 16 in Beijing for the 40th time at a WTA 1000 event and is still fighting to qualify for the WTA Finals, although she knows she needs a strong finish to the season.
“I started playing more brave”: Swiatek explains what changed
The 6-time Grand Slam champion admitted that she did not immediately know how to turn the match around after losing the opening set, but identified a more aggressive approach as the key to changing the rhythm.
“For sure I was in a bad position score-wise, didn't really know after the first set what to change to play better," Swiatek said in press conference. "Later on in the second set I was playing more brave and more aggressive, changing more down the line. At the end I think it's what changed the rhythm of the match.”
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during the women's singles quarterfinal match against Diana Shnaider of Russia at the 2026 National Bank Open
That adjustment came at exactly the right moment. Vekic had been able to dictate enough of the important exchanges to build a 5-2 lead, but Swiatek began taking more initiative and forcing the Croatian to defend rather than allowing her to control the points.
The Pole also felt that the match was closer than the score suggested, despite Vekic having the advantage when the most important points arrived.
“I don't know how many points we both had, but I felt like I'm playing good. I felt like we might be even, but maybe she was winning the more important points.”
That assessment explains why Swiatek refused to panic despite being three games from defeat. “I knew I had my opportunities; I should push a little bit more. I just needed to go level up because she played really good, used these chances that I didn't use in the first set.”
Beijing comeback could prove crucial in WTA Finals race
The stakes are significant for Swiatek beyond simply reaching the fourth round. She currently sits No. 10 in the WTA Race, with only the top seven expected to secure the remaining qualifying places for the WTA Finals.
Linda Noskova is currently eighth and, as the Wimbledon champion, is virtually assured of a place in the season-ending event. Swiatek is more than 800 points behind seventh-placed Karolina Muchova, meaning even winning the China Open would not guarantee her qualification, although it could move her significantly closer.
That makes this week's results particularly important, with only one more WTA 1000 event remaining after Beijing in Wuhan next week. A deep run in China could therefore give Swiatek the momentum and points needed to keep her qualification hopes alive.
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She will now face No. 10 seed Iva Jovic in the last 16. The American reached the fourth round by defeating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-1, 7-5, setting up another important test for Swiatek as she continues her push towards the WTA Finals.
The Beijing victory also took Swiatek to 147 wins at WTA 1000 events, just one behind Serena Williams and nine behind Aryna Sabalenka. More importantly, after being on the verge of defeat against Vekic, she remains firmly in the fight.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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