World No. 1 Iga Swiatek clinched her 19th bagel of the season after beating Jule Niemeier 2-6 6-4 6-0. Swiatek, who progressed into her first US Open quarterfinal following her victory over Niemeier, was asked afterward whether she was aware of her bagel record in 2022.
Swiatek responded that she was aware, all because of a Twitter account associated with her name. “I am aware (smiling). I saw on Twitter some account that is called like Iga Swiatek Bakery. That’s pretty funny,” Swiatek told Reem Abulleil.
Me: I know you’re into math. Are you aware of the stats about the number of bagel sets you’ve hit this year?
Iga Swiatek: I am aware (smiling). I saw on Twitter some account that is called like Iga Swiatek Bakery.
That’s pretty funny. — Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) September 5, 2022
Swiatek focused on the ‘right things,’ not streaks
Earlier this season, Swiatek won 37 consecutive matches before losing to Alize Cornet in the Wimbledon third round.
After beating Niemeier, Swiatek acknowledged that winning streaks and bagels are good, but her primariy focus in on far bigger things. “I’m just going to try to focus on the right things and not really think about that ’cause that was basically the key during that streak that I had,” she said.
“This time I’m going to, yeah, do the same and just focus on the small stuff that is going to give me break points and then breaks.” On Monday, Swiatek was down by a set and a break to Niemeier. But Swiatek managed to find a way to create a comeback and escape a shock US Open exit.
“I am proud that I didn’t lose hope,” said Swiatek. “She was playing really good in the first set. I had a hard time pushing her back. In the second set I tried to focus on the small things and I am glad it worked and I used my experience to keep the same level throughout the whole match.”
In the US Open quarterfinal, Swiatek plays Jessica Pegula. Going into the match, Swiatek owns a 2-1 head-to-head record versus American Pegula. Swiatek has already defeated Pegula twice this season (Miami, French Open).
