World No. 1 Iga Swiatek marks return to action with comfortable win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse at Italian Open

Iga Swiatek showed few signs of rustiness as she breezed past Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Italian Open in Rome, 6-3 6-0. The world No.1's victory marked Swiatek's return to action following a shoulder injury that saw her miss the Madrid Open. Ad/> She had prepared for her trip to Rome with a training camp at the Rafa Nadal Academy, and it was like she had never been away as she reasserted her position at the top of the women's game with a dominant performance that showcased all of her customary court-craft.

WTA RomeSwiatek's dilemma, Raducanu's accidental swear and Shapovalov's lesson — Rome diaryYESTERDAY AT 21:13 With Roland-Garros beginning in just 11 days time, it will have been a fillip for the 20-year-old to see her game in good working order as she eyes a second French Open crown to add to the one she took home in 2020. Swiatek established a 4-1 lead in the first set at the Foro Italico as she stormed out of the blocks. But Ruse fought admirably, and converted both of her two break points to peg Swiatek back to 5-3.

However, the Pole served out the set to take the advantage. Raducanu vows to return only when her back is 'fully right' 'I'd say me!' — Kyrgios believes he is the best grass-court player in the world And from there it was one-way traffic, with Swiatek taking control of the match and bagelling her opponent in the second set to secure her passage into the last-16. The fact Ruse won just one service game all match said everything about Swiatek's ability to build pressure through her returning game.