Suzan Ramens made her debut at Arthur Ashe Stadium and faced Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, providing quite a challenge for the No. 2 seed on Thursday.
Ranked 66th in the world, Lamens managed to break Swiatek’s serve four times during the second set in her first match at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Ultimately, she lost the match, which went to three sets: 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
This match was significant for both players, especially considering the circumstances.
“It wasn’t the easiest match,” remarked Swiatek. “Things got a bit tricky in the second set, but I’m pleased I could reset and start strong in the third.”
She continued, “I wouldn’t say I was surprised. After the first set, I could tell she seized her opportunities. Absolutely, she earned the points she won.”
Earlier this summer, Swiatek had clinched the Wimbledon title, making history as the first woman since 1911 to win the Grand Slam final without losing a game, achieving a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova.
“You learn something from a match like this, especially under pressure,” said Swiatek, who will face Anna Karinskaya next. “Of course, practice courts feel different, so maybe Ashe will be tougher.”
After a quick win over Emiliana Alango (6-1, 6-2) in the first round, Swiatek started strong against Lamens, losing only one game in the first set.
During the second, the 2022 US champion was on her game until she double-faulted at key moments, leading to a break and the need for a third set.
Even though Venus Williams experienced an early exit in singles, her tournament isn’t over yet. She teamed up with Leila Fernandez in doubles, and the pair secured a win against the No. 6 seeds, Ludmila Kichenok and Ellen Perez, in a straight set.
At 45, this victory marks Williams’ first women’s doubles win at the Open since 2014.
“I’m often in a supportive role,” Williams noted about her partnership with Fernandez. “It’s key she feels at ease. Sure, I have experience, but she’s been playing a lot lately, so we’re pretty even in our competitiveness.”
Men’s Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner moved smoothly into the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Alexei Popyrin.
He is set to face No. 27 seed Denis Shapovalov in the next round.
