Image Source: WTA Tennis
China Open action delivered a dramatic comeback on Monday as Iga Swiatek recovered from a seemingly desperate position to defeat Donna Vekic and reach the last 16 in Beijing. The former champion overturned a 6-4, 5-2 deficit before completing a 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2 victory in two hours and 40 minutes.
Swiatek Produces a Stunning China Open Comeback
Swiatek entered the third-round match with a perfect record against Vekic, having won all four of their previous meetings while dropping only one set. However, the No. 30 seed looked ready to change that history as she controlled the match during the opening stages.
Vekic claimed the first set 6-4 and moved within three games of victory at 5-2 in the second. Swiatek, the 2023 China Open champion, refused to allow the match to slip away. She immediately raised her intensity, attacked more confidently and began changing the direction of rallies with sharper down-the-line shots.
The Polish star broke Vekic twice to level the second set at 5-5. She then dominated the tiebreak, winning every point to force a deciding set. The momentum had shifted dramatically, and Swiatek carried that energy into the final stage.
A Fearless Fightback Changes the Match
The players exchanged breaks at the start of the third set, but Swiatek soon found another opening. She broke for a 3-2 advantage and maintained control from there, closing out the deciding set 6-2.
Speaking after the match, Swiatek acknowledged that she had been unsure how to respond after losing the opening set. She said she became “more brave and more aggressive” later in the second set and began changing the rhythm by hitting more balls down the line.
“For sure I was in a bad position score-wise,” Swiatek said, according to the WTA report. “I didn’t really know after the first set what to change to play better. Later on in the second set I was playing more brave and more aggressive.”
She also credited Vekic for taking advantage of important opportunities early in the contest. Swiatek felt the match was closely balanced overall, but admitted that her opponent had been winning the crucial points during the opening set.
Important Milestones for the Former Champion
The victory was significant beyond the comeback itself. Swiatek has now reached the round of 16 at a WTA 1000 tournament for the 40th time in her career. She is also chasing a 13th title at this level.
- Swiatek recorded her 147th career win at WTA 1000 events.
- Only Serena Williams, with 148 wins, and Aryna Sabalenka, with 156, have more.
- She remains alive in the Beijing draw after facing a match point in terms of momentum and scoreboard pressure.
- Vekic suffered her third defeat against a top-10 player during the 2026 season.
For Vekic, the result continued a difficult pattern against elite opposition this season. She previously lost to Mirra Andreeva at the Australian Open and Jessica Pegula at Indian Wells. Despite the defeat, her performance against Swiatek underlined her ability to compete with one of the leading players on the tour.
Jovic Awaits in the Next Round
Swiatek will next face No. 10 seed Iva Jovic in the Beijing last 16. The American advanced with a convincing 6-1, 7-5 win over Kamilla Rakhimova earlier on Monday.
The upcoming match presents another test for Swiatek after her exhausting three-set battle. She will need to recover quickly, but her resilience against Vekic could provide valuable confidence as the China Open reaches its decisive stages.
Her route to another Beijing title is still challenging, yet the comeback showed why Swiatek remains one of the most dangerous competitors in a WTA 1000 event. From 5-2 down in the second set, she transformed a potential upset into one of the tournament’s most compelling victories so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Iga Swiatek defeat at the China Open?
Iga Swiatek defeated Donna Vekic in the third round of the China Open in Beijing.
What was the final score?
Swiatek won 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2 after rallying from a 6-4, 5-2 deficit.
Who will Swiatek play next?
Swiatek will face No. 10 seed Iva Jovic in the round of 16.
How many WTA 1000 wins does Swiatek have?
The victory was Swiatek’s 147th win at WTA 1000 tournaments, placing her third on the all-time list behind Aryna Sabalenka and Serena Williams.
