Iga Swiatek kicks off Olympic Games with a win over Barthel

Iga Swiatek got the chance to open the tennis event for the Olympic Games instead of Osaka whose match got pushed back to Sunday. The Polish player did not disappoint and played some bully tennis against Barthel who had trouble holding her own. Swiatek came out on fire blasting away winner after winner against Barthel who could not offer much resistance.

Iga was on course for a first set bagel as she served for the first set at 5-0. Barthel was able to avoid that by stringing together a 2-0 run to cut it to 5-2 before Swiatek closed the first with 6-2.

The 2nd featured a similar script with Iga once again playing bully tennis attacking Barthel at every opportunity. The German lacked the skill or craft to win points on a consistent basis and Swiatek run away with the 2nd set 6-2 as well.

A great performance by Swiatek who broke Barthel six times in the match that lasted a bit over an hour.