World No. 2 Iga Swiatek was pushed to the brink by Dutch challenger Suzan Lamens, who produced the match of her career in Round 2 of the 2025 US Open. The 24-year-old from the Netherlands, steadily improving on the WTA Tour, came within touching distance of the tournament’s biggest upset, stealing the second set and forcing a dramatic decider before the Pole escaped 6–1, 4–6, 6–4. For Swiatek, it was a reminder of the depth of the field; for Lamens, it was a breakout performance that underlined her growing stature.
Swiatek starts in cruise control
Swiatek opened with authority, holding serve and breaking Lamens immediately to build a 2–0 lead. She consolidated with a gritty deuce hold and punished the Dutchwoman’s serve to break twice more. Though Lamens found some rhythm at 1–3, the world No. 2 kept her foot down. Serving at 5–1, she fended off break points and closed out the opener 6–1 with clean hitting, sending an early message of intent.
Lamens fights back with fearless surge
The second set told a different story. Lamens matched Swiatek early, holding confidently and breaking straight back after falling 1–2 behind. The Pole regained her edge with a break for 4–3, but instead of folding, Lamens launched her boldest stretch of tennis. She broke Swiatek immediately for 4–4, consolidated with fearless hitting for 5–4, and then shocked the Louis Armstrong crowd by breaking again to snatch the set 6–4. From 3–4 down, the underdog swept three games in a row, suddenly turning the match into a thriller.
Pole steadies just in time to survive
Lamens carried her momentum into the decider with a confident opening hold, but Swiatek dug deep to break for 2–1 and consolidated with authority. Another break pushed her 4–1 clear, seemingly out of reach. Yet Lamens refused to disappear, breaking back and riding the crowd’s support to close the gap to 3–4. Swiatek, though, didn’t blink. She held for 5–3, absorbed one final push at 5–4, and delivered on her first match point to seal the decider 6–4 and book her place in the third round.
Match Summary
Swiatek’s 6–1, 4–6, 6–4 win was a test of nerve, as Lamens disrupted her rhythm and threatened the upset of the tournament. For Swiatek, it was survival and problem-solving. For Lamens, it was a career-defining afternoon: fearless hitting, a stolen set, and proof she can stand toe-to-toe with the very best.
Key Turning Points
- Fast start: Swiatek broke immediately in Set 1 and stormed through 6–1.
- Dutch surge: From 3–4 down in Set 2, Lamens reeled off three straight games to steal it 6–4.
- Breathing room: Swiatek’s 4–1 lead in the third gave her margin when Lamens fought back.
- Closing nerves: Serving at 5–4, Swiatek stayed composed and converted on her third match point.