Iga Swiatek avenges Australian Open defeat to Linda Noskova at BNP Paribas Open rematch

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Iga Swiatek drew two of her most troublesome opponents from the 2024 Australian Open in Tennis Paradise and went two-for-two, avenging a Melbourne defeat to Linda Noskova, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the BNP Paribas Open’s round of 16.

"It was really intense in the beginning, but I was looking for my chances to break back," Swiatek said on court after the match. "I was pretty sure that if I stayed positive and calm, the chances would come. So, I'm happy I was ready in the proper moments to even the score and then lead."

Noskova caused the biggest upset of the women’s draw Down Under when she rallied from a set down to defeat the world No. 1 en route to the quarterfinals, but Swiatek was prepared for the Czech teenager’s aggressive onslaught at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, streaking through the final 10 games on the way to a 73-minute victory.

Swiatek was fresh off an opening-round victory over Danielle Collins, who led the top seed by a double break in their last match in Australia, but made quick work of the American despite Indian Wells’ slower conditions. Still, all eyes were on Noskova and whether the 19-year-old could score the upset for the second time in three months.

Striking clean and powerful groundstrokes, Noskova appeared up for the task early in the match, nabbing the first break and finding herself five points from the opening set when she led Swiatek, 4-2, 15-40.

Swiatek navigated the high-quality game that ensued, saving a total of three break points with aggressive plays, sweeping winners into the open court off both sides. From there, the Pole went on a tear, winning 16 of the set’s final 19 points to take the opening set out from under Noskova, who appeared shellshocked in response.

"The conditions aren't easy with the dry air, but it's a fun challenge, and I already learned how to play here. So, I just have to just take care of these adjustments and really be focused."

The 2022 champion continued her march towards the final line in the second set, absorbing Noskova’s pace with aplomb and keeping Noskova flummoxed as she captured an ninth straight game.

Swiatek was in full flow by 5-0, passing a net-rushing Noskova to the thrill of the Stadium 1 Court crowd. Up two match points, she completed the bagel when Noskova struck one last unforced error into the net.

"There's a reason why this is the best tournament outside of the Grand Slams," Swiatek said. "It's voted as the players' favorite for plenty of years in a row already. I always love to come back here."

Up next for the 22-year-old will face Yulia Putintseva, who shocked No. 18 seed Madison Keys, 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday.