5:2 – What’s going on here?!? Niemeier keeps chasing Swiatek across the pitch with well-placed balls. Not the superstar, but the outsider sets the pace. Result: The next break of the Germans! Now Niemeier serves to win the set.
4:2 – Niemeier brings through the next service game. However, this time it was quite difficult with repeated debuts. In the end, however, the German benefits from some unforced errors by the world number ones.
3:2 – Swiatek has now worked his way into the match. After clear problems at the beginning, she easily gets through her service game with only one counterpoint and shortens it.
3:1 – Great Tennis at Louis Armstrong Stadium! Both players don’t give themselves anything, hit powerful crossballs around the ears and cause loud applause from the audience. Niemeier seems to inspire that. After being 15:30 behind and making several debuts, she gets her serve through thanks to a precise longline forehand.
2:1 – And again Niemeier puts the favorite under a lot, even taking the lead by 30:15. After that, however, Siwatek plays to its strengths, stays cool – and secures the game.
2:0 – Right now it is not at all clear who is number one in the world and who is an outsider. Niemeier easily gets her serve through with just one counter point. Despite the large audience, there is no sign of nervousness in the Dortmund player.
1:0 – That’s what you call a tailor-made start! Niemeier quickly loses the first point, but then entangles Swiatek in long rallies, puts a lot of pressure on – and scores. She uses her second breakball for an early break. A really strong start!
8:04 p.m .: It’s finally starting! Swiatek serves first.
8 p.m.: The players warm up, hit a few balls loosely back and forth.
7:58 p.m.: Applause breaks out in Louis Armstrong Stadium. The opponents enter the court.
7:48 p.m.: Niemeier and Swiatek would have to enter the court immediately to warm up.
7.40 p.m.: The game between Norrie and Rublev is over. The Russian won easily and easily in three sets.
7:09 p.m.: After all, the rain break in the first game at the Louis Armstrong Stadium is now over. The power between Cameron Norrie and Andrei Rublev continues. Only then can the showdown between Niemeier and Swiatek begin.
7:05 p.m.: Niemeier himself can hardly wait for the game to start: “If that’s not fun, you’re somehow wrong in the job,” said the 23-year-old from Dortmund.
6.35 p.m.: The start of the match could be postponed. We just got the news that the first game of the day in New York has been suspended due to rain. The game between Niemeier and Swiatek is scheduled as the second match at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
6 p.m.: National coach Barbara Rittner and Niemeier’s personal coach Christopher Kas rely on the “outsider effect” before the round of 16. Niemeier has “nothing to lose,” said Rittner. Kas added: His protégé has strengths that can be “uncomfortable” for Swiatek.
