World No.1 Iga Swiatek dispels illness doubts, eases through Wimbledon opener against Lin Zhu

World number one Iga Swiatek has registered a comprehensive win in the first round of Wimbledon 2023.

The third Grand Slam of the year, which will be a two-week-long event, began on Monday in London.

Swiatek, in her tournament opener, showcased why she is seeded one in the women’s singles category and registered a thumping triumph in straight sets against China’s Zhu Lin with a score of 6-1, 6-3.

The result will be a great one for Swiatek fans and well-wishers who were a little concerned about the fitness of the French Open 2023 winner after she withdrew from Bad Homburg Open’s semifinal clash.

In the first set, the 22-year-old was extremely efficient while serving where she won 71 per cent of points on her own serve. In comparison, her opponent only managed to win 41 per cent of points on her own service.

In the second set, the four-time Grand Slam winner was once again extremely impressive as she registered 12 winners, nine more than her opponent on the day.

Swiatek will be out on a mission to finally hit the ground running at Wimbledon where she has a very average record as this remains the only Grand Slam where she has never played in the quarterfinals or beyond.

Her best performance in London came in 2021 where she was knocked out of the event in the fourth round after suffering a defeat against last year’s finalist Ons Jabeur with a score of 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

Even last year, Swiatek was knocked out from the third round after losing to France’s Alizé Cornet in straight sets with the score of 6-4, 6-2.