Iga Swiatek defeats Marketa Vondrousova, setting up a Cincinnati semi-final against Coco Gauff in WTA Tour.
Navigating a challenging first set, Iga Swiatek secured a 7-6 (3) 6-1 win against Marketa Vondrousova. She’s set to play Coco Gauff, who triumphed over Jasmine Paolini in straight sets.
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek smoothly advanced past Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, securing a semi-final showdown with Coco Gauff at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. After navigating a challenging first set, Swiatek swiftly cruised to a 7-6 (3) 6-1 triumph over Vondrousova in a duel between the most recent Grand Slam victors. The top-ranked player broke the Wimbledon champion five times and effectively defended against four of six break points, sealing her victory in just 91 minutes.
Vondrousova began strongly, allowing just three serve points at 5-3, but Swiatek thwarted her set attempts. Swiatek then dominated the tiebreaker.
Swiatek elevated her game in the second set, capitalizing on Vondrousova’s serves with three crucial breaks, including the decisive one in the last game. The match concluded with a forehand winner down the line that left the Czech unable to reach. Reflecting on the challenge, Swiatek remarked, “Adapting to her spin, being a lefty, wasn’t easy. She utilized that and her experience, but my determination to fiercely contest every point paid off in the end.” The Polish player’s determination and adaptability proved pivotal in securing her victory
Holding the world’s top ranking since April 2022, Swiatek is set to meet Gauff in the semi-finals, with the American seventh seed dominating Italian qualifier Jasmine Paolini 6-3 6-2. Unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova swiftly advanced to the last four as compatriot Marie Bouzkova retired due to a right leg strain, trailing 3-0, merely 11 minutes into their match.
Muchova advances to face Sabalenka in the semifinals, while the second seed triumphs over Jabeur 7-5 6-3 after a competitive match.
