CINCINNATI, USA: In a thrilling day of tennis at the Cincinnati Open, Iga Swiatek demonstrated her prowess on the court by defeating Czech 10th seed Marketa Vondrousova in a hard-fought match, securing her spot in the semi-finals. Joining her were Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, who both showcased their exceptional skills to advance in the tournament.
World number one, Iga Swiatek, faced a tough challenge against Vondrousova. Swiatek’s strategic play and ability to elevate her game during critical moments allowed her to break Vondrousova’s serve five times while saving four out of six break points. The encounter between the last two Grand Slam winners unfolded over 91 intense minutes, with Swiatek emerging victorious in a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory. Swiatek’s adaptability to Vondrousova’s left-handed spin proved crucial in this high-stakes battle, as she noted during her post-match interview.
Vondrousova displayed a strong start, taking a 5-3 lead and serving for the set twice, but Swiatek’s tenacity denied her both times. Swiatek turned the tide in the second set, capitalizing on Vondrousova’s serve vulnerabilities, securing three breaks and clinching the match with a powerful forehand down the line. Swiatek attributed her success to the adjustments she made between sets, propelling her to a swift and decisive second frame victory.
With her sights set on defending her title at the upcoming U.S. Open, Swiatek’s performance at the Cincinnati Open serves as a valuable preparation opportunity. In the semi-finals, she is set to face off against American seventh seed, Coco Gauff, in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
Gauff’s journey through the tournament has been marked by her dominant play. She displayed her exceptional form once again as she overcame Italy’s Jasmine Paolini with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory. Gauff’s ability to shift momentum in her favour, coupled with her recent improvements, bode well for her chances against Swiatek. While acknowledging her previous struggles against Swiatek, Gauff expressed her confidence and determination to approach the match point by point, emphasizing her mental engagement.
Meanwhile, unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova secured her spot in the semis in a swift manner, as her compatriot Marie Bouzkova retired due to a right leg strain while trailing 3-0. Muchova’s path to the semi-finals sets her up for a challenging encounter against Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka’s journey to the semi-finals was marked by her victory over an ailing Tunisian fifth seed Ons Jabeur. Despite a tense first set where breaks were exchanged, Sabalenka’s resilient play allowed her to ultimately secure a 7-5, 6-3 victory. Reflecting on the match, Sabalenka expressed her mixed emotions, acknowledging her excitement for reaching the semi-finals while also expressing sympathy for her opponent’s health issues.
