She broke immediately in the third, a few points after tossing her racquet in dismay. By this time, Swiatek was in all-out attack mode, with Andreeva trying to fend her off. And she did.
Andreeva stepped it up to hold for 3-1, finishing the game with a forehand and backhand winner. She pushed on for 4-1 as the winners continued to fly off her racquet from the baseline. But those who have watched Andreeva know she’s more than just about power.
She counter punches superbly, often has success with her forehand drop shot and can smack serves. In the first set tiebreak, for example, Andreeva uncorked a rocket 126 mph delivery.
Swiatek might feel that the first set was hers for the taking. Yes, Andreeva carved out the first three break points in two different games — but only after Swiatek’s mini opportunities didn’t escalate. Andreeva was at 30-all in her first three service games, holding each time.
That after Swiatek flew out of the starting blocks, racing to eight straight points on serve. Andreeva broke through for 5-4, assisted by a double fault, only to drop serve for 5-5. Thus began a brief spell where Andreeva’s forehand swooned.
Serving at 5-6, 0-30, things looked bleak for Andreeva, but the teen hung on — then played an almost perfect tiebreak.
The speedy serve wasn’t her lone highlight. Andreeva also half-volleyed a fine Swiatek return from the baseline, later ending the point with a volley winner. She can do it all.
The intense first set might have caught up with the lesser experienced Andreeva in the second, but her response in the third was emphatic.