Iga Swiatek is now rivalling Serena Williams after winning her first match at the Cincinnati Open

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has taken another step toward cementing her name alongside some of the sport’s greatest champions, including the legendary Serena Williams, after a strong start to her Cincinnati Open campaign.

Swiatek opened her tournament with a commanding victory, showing the consistency and dominance that have defined her recent seasons. With the win, the 23-year-old not only booked her place in the next round but also achieved a milestone that draws comparisons to Serena’s own record-setting standards during her reign.

The Polish star has been rewriting the WTA history books over the last two years, and her performance in Cincinnati continues that trend. She has now matched or surpassed several streaks once held by Williams, particularly in terms of weeks at No. 1 and consecutive match wins on hard courts in the lead-up to the US Open. While Serena remains an icon whose legacy spans decades, Swiatek’s rise is a reminder that a new era of dominance is underway.

Swiatek’s form in Cincinnati reflected her trademark combination of precision and power. Her forehand was firing, her movement was sharp, and she used her tactical variety to dismantle her opponent in straight sets. It was a performance that left little doubt about her readiness to challenge for the title.

Speaking after the match, Swiatek acknowledged the comparison to Serena but stayed humble.

“It’s always an honor to be mentioned alongside someone like Serena. She’s one of the greatest ever. I just try to focus on my own journey,” she said.

For many fans, the parallels are hard to ignore. Like Williams in her prime, Swiatek has developed a near-unshakable aura at the top of the rankings, rarely dropping matches against players outside the top tier and often overpowering opponents with relentless pressure.

With the US Open just around the corner, her performance in Cincinnati could be a preview of what’s to come. If Swiatek continues her current form, she could well be on track to replicate Serena’s dominance at the year’s final major — and perhaps even surpass some of her records.

Swiatek will next face a tough opponent in the third round, where the stakes will only get higher. For now, though, her Cincinnati opener has sent a clear message: the bar set by Serena Williams is high, but Iga Swiatek is determined to reach it — and maybe even move it higher.