It should not really be possible for someone who has won five grand slam titles and been world No 1 for 125 weeks to slip under the radar. But at Wimbledon, where she has made the quarter-finals only once and where grass-court nous is still a work in progress, Iga Swiatek somehow seems to go about her business almost unnoticed. If she loses early, it’s quickly shaken off; if she goes deep, it’s bonus territory and a sign that all is well in her world.
On Thursday, the Pole, seeded eighth after dropping down the rankings in the first half of this year, shrugged off a poor end to the first set to beat the American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 for a place in the third round. Ranked 208 but in the draw on a protected ranking after a long time off due to elbow surgery, McNally chipped and charged and came forward with purpose as she pinched the first set from 4-1 down. But Swiatek steadied the ship quickly and dominated the second and third sets for another morale‑boosting victory.
