Swiatek issues a warning: "I feel better here than at any other Grand Slam"

Two out of two. Iga Swiatek is already among the top 32 in the women's singles draw at the US Open 2026 after delivering two very solid performances against Xiyu Wang (6-2, 6-3) and Nadia Podoroska (6-3, 6-2). The scores speak for themselves.

However, we will not fall into the old trap of running before we can walk. Is Iga Swiatek playing very well? Yes. Is it too early to make a prediction considering the level of her opponents? Yes. What we can analyze are her words on the court after her latest victory, comments that invite optimism in the coming weeks in New York.

The current World No. 8 faced Nadia Podoroska this afternoon, an opponent she hadn't played against in six years. Instead of turning it into a problem, Swiatek drew on her memories to prepare for the match. “Obviously, you need to prepare, but I remember how she played. We basically played in one of my most important tournaments, so I remember every match and knew how her ball would feel on the racquet,” she explained.

The Polish player, however, was also aware that six years can change many things. That's why she decided not to make any special preparation and approached the match like any other. “A lot can change in six years, so I prepared in the same way I do before any other match,” she stated.

The fanbase that keeps Swiatek entertained off the court

Beyond competition, Swiatek is finding a rather peculiar way to disconnect in New York: LEGO. The rain that has affected the US Open schedule has allowed her to spend more time in the hotel and make progress on one of her favorite hobbies.

“It has helped that it has rained because I've had more time. I've been in the hotel because of the rain,” she admitted with a laugh. Her philosophy with LEGO is very different from the one she applies on a tennis court: here, there is no need to finish quickly. “I'm not in a hurry; it's for enjoyment, not for competition. On the court, I have my competition, but with LEGO, I can take my time and relax.”

In fact, Swiatek explained that a set she could complete in just three days could stretch over two weeks if she wants to carry it through until the end of the tournament. Her biggest challenge so far was a huge Disney castle that took her quite some time to finish. The problem arises when it's time to travel. “Traveling with LEGO is the hardest part of the whole process,” she admitted. The Polish player even joked that there is “a 99% probability” that the set will end up dismantled during the flight. Still, she does not plan to give them up: her team is already used to seeing her navigate airports with a LEGO in hand.

Meanwhile, the truly competitive aspect of her stay in New York is going perfectly. “I’m here feeling better than I probably have at any other Grand Slam this year,” she confessed. And with that confidence, Swiatek is already looking ahead to the third round.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Swiatek manda un aviso: “Tengo mejores sensaciones aquí que en cualquier otro Grand Slam”