Iga Swiatek Rises to World No. 2 Spot Following Her Win Over Maria Sakkari at Indian Wells 2022 Finals

The BNP Paribas Open always promises to be full of twists and turns. It also guarantees some high-quality tennis and it was exactly what Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari provided in the women’s singles final. Both players gave it their all to claim the Masters 1000 event in the Californian desert.

Also read: ‘I Have Nothing to Lose’ – Iga Swiatek Reveals Her Mindset Before Indian Wells 2022 Final Against Maria Sakkari

Though it was a tightly fought battle, it was the Pole who prevailed in straight sets.

Iga Swiatek wins her 5th career title

The first set was a tightly fought one, where both the players tried to hold their fort and create uncomfortable situations and positions for the other. But Iga Swiatek, who is in supreme form these last few weeks, managed to break once and edge past Sakkari to win the first, 6-4.

The score line of the second set however tells a completely different story. Sakkari failed to hold her momentum, committing too many unforced errors, and giving away opportunities for Swiatek to capitalize on. The Polish star got her first break in the second set and took a 3-1 lead. From there, in a matter of minutes, she has won her fifth career singles title as well as her second consecutive WTA 1000 title after Doha.

Swiatek to become World No. 2 at 20

By winning the Indian Wells title, Swiatek moves to a career-high no.2 spot. Sakkari will also be moving up to a career-best ranking of No. 3 when the new rankings are released.

With this win, Iga Swiatek becomes the first Polish woman to ever win the Indian Wells Masters and given how young she still is, this will surely be one of the many records be created by the new World No. 2.

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