Iga Swiatek overcomes fiery Caty McNally, rallies to secure Wimbledon third round berth

Iga Swiatek scraped out a hard-fought victory against world No. 208 Caty McNally, winning 5-7, 6-2, 6-0 to return to the third round of Wimbledon. After a shaky first set from the Pole, she managed to recompose herself on serve and overcome a feisty McNally, who delivered a great performance.

The 5-time Grand Slam champion squandered a 4-1 lead in the first set, making the match more complicated than expected. However, from the second set onwards, she was absolutely dominant, securing her place in the third round, where she'll face American Danielle Collins.

Swiatek started the match with intensity, winning 12 of the first 15 points to race to a 3-0 lead in just 10 minutes. The world No. 4 extended her lead to 4-1 and threatened to secure a second break, but McNally regrouped. After saving a tight service game, the American seized momentum and broke back in the following game.

McNally went from 1-4 down to winning three consecutive games to level at 4-4. Swiatek then took the lead on her serve, but McNally didn't slow down. The American held a couple of service games without difficulty and secured a crucial break in the 11th game, ultimately taking the set 7-5.

McNally had won 6 of the last 7 games, but the early disadvantage for Swiatek didn't discourage her in the second set. The five-time Grand Slam champion fought hard in the second game for a break, creating six opportunities before finally converting one to take an early break lead.

The Pole held firm on her serve for the remainder of the set—winning 91% of points on her first serve and 75% on her second—and closed out the set 6-2 after securing a second break at the end. Swiatek conceded only three points on her serve in this set and hit 15 winners compared to just 2 from her opponent.

In the third set, Swiatek maintained her composure on serve and displayed her superior class in high-pressure moments. Two consecutive breaks put the former No. 1 ahead, while McNally succumbed to unforced errors from the baseline. Swiatek surged to a 4-0 lead and then saved a couple of break points against her before going up 5-0.

McNally managed to hold her serve one last time to avoid a bagel, but then couldn't secure a break to stay alive. Swiatek saved three break points against her and sealed the victory with an ace, winning 5-7, 6-2, 6-0. This win guarantees her spot in the Wimbledon third round—marking her 21st consecutive appearance in the Round of 32 at Grand Slams. She will face former world No. 8 Danielle Collins.