ROME – Iga Swiatek, after one of the most painful defeats of her career, showed her resilience with a resounding 6-1, 6-0 victory over Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round of the Italian Open on Thursday.
Swiatek explained that she was dealing with “personal matters” when she suffered a 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Coco Gauff in the Madrid Open semifinals last week.
World number two Swiatek has been a three-time champion in Rome, but has yet to reach a final on the circuit this year. Her record in Rome since 2021 is now 21-2.
The Italian Open is the last major clay-court preparation tournament before Roland Garros, which begins on May 25. Swiatek has won four of her five Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros.
Swiatek will face Danielle Collins or Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the next round, who played later at the Foro Italico.
