Iga Swiatek, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, is set to begin her campaign at the Cincinnati Masters 2025 with a promising draw that could lead to increasingly challenging matchups as the tournament progresses. The accomplished six-time Grand Slam champion arrives in Cincinnati after a solid summer of hard-court preparations, eyeing the opportunity to refine her game ahead of the US Open.
Swiatek’s journey in Cincinnati kicks off with a first-round bye, leading to a notable second-round clash against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova. Although Potapova can pose a threat when in form, Swiatek’s agility and consistency on the baseline position her as the favorite. Should she advance, the third round may introduce a more significant challenge in the form of 25th seed Marta Kostyuk, known for her powerful and aggressive style.
As the tournament unfolds, Swiatek could encounter either Magdalena Frech or 14th seed Diana Schnaider in the round of 16. Each opponent presents distinct challenges: Frech is recognized for her strategic patience, while Schnaider, a left-handed player, often employs aggressive angles that can disrupt opponents. On paper, Swiatek should remain the frontrunner to reach the quarterfinal stage with relative ease.
One of the most anticipated matchups could be her possible quarterfinal encounter with Amanda Anisimova, who is seeded fifth. Their last meeting at Wimbledon ended dramatically with a “double bagel” in favor of Swiatek, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Anisimova, looking to regain her form, will need to successfully navigate matches against tough contenders, including 12th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Another player to watch in this section is the 18-year-old Canadian rising star, Victoria Mboko, who recently made headlines with a stunning victory over Naomi Osaka at the Canadian Open. Her fearless play could make her a significant threat in the bracket.
As Swiatek advances through the rounds, her mental resilience and strategic discipline will undoubtedly be tested, especially in the higher-stakes environment of the quarterfinals and potential semifinal matchups, possibly against Aryna Sabalenka, another prominent competitor in women’s tennis.
This tournament not only provides an opportunity for players to battle for the title but also serves as a critical preparation ground for the upcoming US Open. For Swiatek, each match will be a stepping stone towards honing her skills and strategies to face tougher opponents in the future.