Iga Swiatek ‘overwhelmed’ after embarrassing Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 in Rome final

Iga Swiatek described herself as ‘overwhelmed’ after she produced a stunning performance to embarrass Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 in the Rome final.

The reigning Roland Garros champion, ranked six places below the Czech ace, needed just 46 minute too inflict a double bagel.

In fact, Pliskova could only win four points in the whole of the opening set as she found herself powerful to resist the Pole.

It was Pliskova’s first defeat (not including retirements) at Rome since 2018, and she appeared understandably shell-shocked.

“I’m really really happy. I’m kind of overwhelmed because at the beginning of this tournament I wouldn’t even dream of winning,” Swiatek said in her interview during the trophy presentation.

“It was super tough, we had to fight a lot of stuff but I’m really happy. Karolina had a great run here and in previous years she showed that she’s really consistent player.

“I think everything happened during that week. I was saving set points, saving match points, so I think you (the crowd) helped me a lot. You know, it’s tough.”

It was the ideal preparation for Swiatek’s French Open title defence, where she was a surprise, yet wholly worthy, winner in October.