World number one Iga Swiatek advanced to the second round of Wimbledon with a straightforward victory over China's Zhu Lin, winning 6-1, 6-3 on Monday. This marks a strong beginning in her attempt to secure her first Grand Slam title on grass courts. The 22-year-old Polish player, who won her third French Open title last month, reaching a total of four Grand Slam titles, has never progressed beyond the fourth round at the All England Club.
Zhu, ranked 34th in the world, had a chance to break her opponent's serve in the first game, but Swiatek won 11 consecutive points to lead 3-0. Swiatek, who prefers playing on clay and hard courts but struggles on grass, took control of the match with another break of serve. Zhu saved two set points while trailing 5-0, but the inevitable outcome came shortly after when Swiatek hit a powerful forehand.
The players exchanged breaks at the start of the second set before Swiatek, who had withdrawn from the Bad Homburg final on Friday due to illness, gained a second opportunity, leading 4-3 when play was halted due to rain. The match resumed after the roof of Court One was closed, and Swiatek needed just seven minutes to secure her spot in the second round with a backhand shot.
