Iga Swiatek brushes aside Maria Sakkari challenge for Indian Wells win to become new world No. 2

Iga Swiatek’s hot streak continued with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Maria Sakkari in the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. In securing back-to-back WTA 1000 titles, Swiatek climbed to No. 2 in the world — becoming only the second Pole to do so after Agnieszka Radwanska.

Ad/> Swiatek beat Sakkari on the road to the title in Doha last month, and she proved too strong once again after a topsy-turvy start. WTA Indian Wells'Mentally it was the toughest one' — Swiatek beats Halep to reach Indian Wells finalYESTERDAY AT 09:07 In blustery conditions, serving was difficult and the opening set saw a host of breaks. Two double faults from Swiatek in the opening game enabled Sakkari to break to love.

The double faults were contagious as Sakkari threw one in at break-point down to give back the advantage she had earned. Nadal tips Alcaraz to be a future champion Kyrgios defiant despite almost hitting ball boy The first hold came in the fifth game, with Swiatek producing some big hitting — along with an ace — to edge ahead. Back to back double faults from Sakkari handed Swiatek her third break of serve on the spin, but the Greek broke back to love.

The pair appeared to settle into the contest with a couple of love holds, but the set turned Swiatek’s way in the 10th game. Sakkari appeared to get out of trouble with a brilliant crosscourt forehand on the run to stave off set point. It had the crowd on their feet and brought a roar of delight from the Greek, but she gifted another chance with a double fault and despite fending that off with a big serve, Swiatek took the set at the third time of asking when her opponent threw a backhand into the net.