Swiatek on course for ‘Sunshine Double’
After two days of rain the sun returned to the Miami Open on Saturday in a good omen for Iga Swiatek, who launched her bid to become just the second woman to win the “Sunshine Double” more than once with a breezy 6-1 6-1 win over Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
In stark contrast to Swiatek’s joy, Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka exited in a fit of rage, smashing her racquet and walking off court without offering a handshake after a 6-4 16 6-1 loss to Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina.
Ukrainian players have been refusing to shake hands with
Russian and Belarusian opponents since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Back on court for the second time in as many days following the apparent suicide of former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, Sabalenka appeared to have little left in the tank physically, mentally and emotionally after a long difficult week.
After her return wide gave Kalinina the match the Australian Open champion vented her frustration by smashing her racquet to pieces and exiting the court.
With the win Kalinina moves into the round of 16, where she will face Kazakhstan’s Yulia
Putintseva.
Winner of the “Sunshine Double” (wins at Indian Wells and Miami Open) in 2022, Swiatek can join Steffi Graf as the only other woman to pull off the feat more than once if she can lift the trophy in Miami after taking the first leg in the California desert last weekend. The world number one opened her Miami account in ruthless style, romping to victory in just 69 minutes.
“Today, for sure, was a pretty positive day,” said Swiatek.
“I just believe that I have abilities to play on any surface, especially here where it’s a little bit slower usually.”