Iga Swiatek routed former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 on Thursday to reach her first Wimbledon final, where she will face Amanda Anisimova. The five-time Grand Slam champion, seeded eighth at the All England Club, dominated her Swiss opponent from the start, wrapping up victory in 71 minutes on Centre Court. "Honestly, I never even dreamed that it's going to be possible for me to play in the final. So I'm just super-excited and proud of myself and I don't know, tennis keeps surprising me," said Swiatek.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-amanda-anisimova-american-player-beats-sabalenka-to-reach-maiden-wimbledon-final-1752161381675">Wimbledon: Anisimova upsets top seed Sabalenka to reach maiden final - Who's she</a>"I thought I had lived through everything, even though I'm young, I thought I experienced everything on the court but I didn't experience playing well on grass, so that's the first time and I'm super, super excited and just enjoying it."On a baking Centre Court, the 24-year-old caught Bencic cold, racing into a 3-0 lead.Bencic, ranked 35th in the world, found her footing, holding serve twice but Polish star Swiatek broke to love in the eighth game to take the match by the scruff of the neck.Bencic, who returned to action in October, six months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, was immediately under pressure in the second set as Swiatek broke for a 2-0 lead.The rampant Swiatek did not allow Bencic a single game in a remarkably one-sided second set.Despite her impressive form, Swiatek has largely gone under the radar at this year's Wimbledon, dropping just one set so far while the top seven women's seeds were all eliminated.After slipping down the rankings, she is now back in the world's top four having reached her first ever grass-court final at Bad Homburg last month.Swiatek has won four French Open titles on clay, as well as the 2022 US Open on hard courts, but until this year she had never been beyond the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.She will face Anisimova for the first time in her career on Saturday after the American 13th seed beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Wimbledon final.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bencic, who returned to action in October, six months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, was immediately under pressure in the second set as Swiatek broke for a 2-0 lead.

Iga Swiatek routed former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 on Thursday to reach her first Wimbledon final, where she will face Amanda Anisimova. The five-time Grand Slam champion, seeded eighth at the All England Club, dominated her Swiss opponent from the start, wrapping up victory in 71 minutes on Centre Court. "Honestly, I never even dreamed that it's going to be possible for me to play in the final. So I'm just super-excited and proud of myself and I don't know, tennis keeps surprising me," said Swiatek. Also Read - Wimbledon: Anisimova upsets top seed Sabalenka to reach maiden final - Who's she "I thought I had lived through everything, even though I'm young, I thought I experienced everything on the court but I didn't experience playing well on grass, so that's the first time and I'm super, super excited and just enjoying it." On a baking Centre Court, the 24-year-old caught Bencic cold, racing into a 3-0 lead. Bencic, ranked 35th in the world, found her footing, holding serve twice but Polish star Swiatek broke to love in the eighth game to take the match by the scruff of the neck. Bencic, who returned to action in October, six months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, was immediately under pressure in the second set as Swiatek broke for a 2-0 lead. The rampant Swiatek did not allow Bencic a single game in a remarkably one-sided second set. Despite her impressive form, Swiatek has largely gone under the radar at this year's Wimbledon, dropping just one set so far while the top seven women's seeds were all eliminated. After slipping down the rankings, she is now back in the world's top four having reached her first ever grass-court final at Bad Homburg last month. Swiatek has won four French Open titles on clay, as well as the 2022 US Open on hard courts, but until this year she had never been beyond the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. She will face Anisimova for the first time in her career on Saturday after the American 13th seed beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Wimbledon final. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bencic, who returned to action in October, six months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, was immediately under pressure in the second set as Swiatek broke for a 2-0 lead.

Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek sets up women's singles title clash against fellow maiden finalist Anisimova

Jannik Sinner swept into the third round of Wimbledon on Thursday as the world number one thrashed Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3.While several of Wimbledon's top stars have suffered shock exits, including third seed Alexander Zverev and world number four Jack Draper, there has been no hint of an upset in Sinner's opening two matches. The 23-year-old has dropped just 12 games in demolishing Vukic and Luca Nardi to make the last 32 at the All England Club. Sinner's biggest struggle came in the final game as he had to wait until his sixth match point to serve it out and saved a break point with a sensational cross-court forehand winner.&nbsp;"I enjoyed it because I won the game! If not, I don't know," said Sinner after an unusual show of flamboyance as he whipped up the crowd's adulation on saving the break point. "The match can change very, very quickly. If he breaks me there, it can go a long distance.&nbsp;"I was lucky with that shot, so thank you to my racquet, which somehow made it to put the ball in the court. I'm very happy to win in straight sets."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2025-tennis-marin-cilic-sends-fourth-seed-jack-draper-crashing-out-in-shocker-1751601556778">Marin Cilic sends fourth seed Draper crashing out in Wimbledon shocker</a>&nbsp;After blowing a two-set lead and three match-points in his agonising French Open final defeat on clay against Carlos Alcaraz in June, Sinner is on a mission to make amends on grass in London.&nbsp;The three-time Grand Slam champion has never been past the Wimbledon semi-finals in four previous visits.&nbsp;But the Italian is back in the groove and is on course for a blockbuster clash with world number two Alcaraz in the final on July 13.&nbsp;The reigning US Open and Australian Open champion next faces another Spaniard, Pedro Martinez, on Saturday.<h3>Swiatek survives scare</h3>&nbsp;Iga Swiatek survived a Wimbledon scare as the five-time Grand Slam champion fought back for a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 win against American world number 208 Caty McNally on Thursday. Polish eighth seed Swiatek was in danger of becoming the latest star to crash out of the grass-court Grand Slam after losing the first set on Centre Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;Five of the top 10 seeds have already been eliminated from the women's singles draw. But the 24-year-old dug deep to win the final two sets as she moved into the third round.&nbsp;Despite being a former junior champion at Wimbledon, Swiatek has struggled on grass in her professional career, with none of her 22 WTA titles coming on the surface.&nbsp;The former world number one, who has won the French Open on clay four times, has never been past the quarter-finals in five previous visits to the All England Club.&nbsp;Swiatek said she "showed there is hope" for her on grass after reaching the Bad Homburg Open final in the build-up to Wimbledon. Beaten in the Australian and French Open semi-finals this year, Swiatek can still dream of making it to the Wimbledon final for the first time.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The 23-year-old has dropped just 12 games in demolishing Vukic and Luca Nardi to make the last 32 at the All England Club.

Jannik Sinner swept into the third round of Wimbledon on Thursday as the world number one thrashed Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3. While several of Wimbledon's top stars have suffered shock exits, including third seed Alexander Zverev and world number four Jack Draper, there has been no hint of an upset in Sinner's opening two matches. The 23-year-old has dropped just 12 games in demolishing Vukic and Luca Nardi to make the last 32 at the All England Club. Sinner's biggest struggle came in the final game as he had to wait until his sixth match point to serve it out and saved a break point with a sensational cross-court forehand winner. "I enjoyed it because I won the game! If not, I don't know," said Sinner after an unusual show of flamboyance as he whipped up the crowd's adulation on saving the break point. "The match can change very, very quickly. If he breaks me there, it can go a long distance. "I was lucky with that shot, so thank you to my racquet, which somehow made it to put the ball in the court. I'm very happy to win in straight sets." Also read | Marin Cilic sends fourth seed Draper crashing out in Wimbledon shocker After blowing a two-set lead and three match-points in his agonising French Open final defeat on clay against Carlos Alcaraz in June, Sinner is on a mission to make amends on grass in London. The three-time Grand Slam champion has never been past the Wimbledon semi-finals in four previous visits. But the Italian is back in the groove and is on course for a blockbuster clash with world number two Alcaraz in the final on July 13. The reigning US Open and Australian Open champion next faces another Spaniard, Pedro Martinez, on Saturday. Swiatek survives scare Iga Swiatek survived a Wimbledon scare as the five-time Grand Slam champion fought back for a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 win against American world number 208 Caty McNally on Thursday. Polish eighth seed Swiatek was in danger of becoming the latest star to crash out of the grass-court Grand Slam after losing the first set on Centre Court. Five of the top 10 seeds have already been eliminated from the women's singles draw. But the 24-year-old dug deep to win the final two sets as she moved into the third round. Despite being a former junior champion at Wimbledon, Swiatek has struggled on grass in her professional career, with none of her 22 WTA titles coming on the surface. The former world number one, who has won the French Open on clay four times, has never been past the quarter-finals in five previous visits to the All England Club. Swiatek said she "showed there is hope" for her on grass after reaching the Bad Homburg Open final in the build-up to Wimbledon. Beaten in the Australian and French Open semi-finals this year, Swiatek can still dream of making it to the Wimbledon final for the first time. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The 23-year-old has dropped just 12 games in demolishing Vukic and Luca Nardi to make the last 32 at the All England Club.

Wimbledon 2025: World no. 1 Sinner strolls into round three, Swiatek survives scare to advance

World number one Aryna Sabalenka said Tuesday she was expecting another "great battle" with Iga Swiatek when the rivals meet in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.Top seed Sabalenka dispatched Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 in the quarter-finals in Paris and next plays three-time defending champion Swiatek for a place in the final.Swiatek, the fifth seed, got past 13th-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-1, 7-5 to set up the mouthwatering match-up.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-classic-javelin-throw-event-rescheduled-for-next-month-july-5-in-bengaluru-1748950919036">Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event rescheduled for next month. Check date and details inside</a>The semi-final will be one between two players who know each other well, the pair having faced each other across the net 12 times with Swiatek leading the series 8-4.On clay, the Polish player has won five of their six meetings -- most recently in the 2024 finals in Rome and Madrid.Sabalenka's only win on clay was in the final in Madrid in 2023, when she edged Swiatek in three sets. And the Belarusian won their most recent clash -- a straight sets win on hard court in Cincinnati last October.The 27-year-old says she enjoys the rivalry with 24-year-old Swiatek, and the pair who have shared the world number one ranking between them for over three years have become closer of late."Yeah, I mean, before it wasn't any communication, any practices with her, but now we are getting better," said Sabalenka."We get along better, and we practice more often, and we know each other quite well. We've had a lot of great battles in the past."If it's going to be Iga, I'm super excited, and it's high-level matches. Yeah, I'm super excited to go out there and to fight and to do everything I need to get the win."<h2>‘Great rhythm’</h2> Meanwhile Swiatek revealed she has been practising with Sabalenka in the past two weeks since Rome."It's great always to practice with Aryna. She gives a great rhythm, and the practice will have quality, you know, so it was great," she said."I feel like we both know how we play, so it's not like you're going to find something extraordinary there."On Tuesday, Sabalenka fought back after struggling in the first set against Zheng, who had beaten her in the last eight on clay in Rome last month.Zheng broke and led 4-2 in the first set. But numerous unforced errors -- 31 in total -- allowed the Belarusian to come back.The second set was also tight before Sabalenka broke back to lead 4-3, taking advantage of her opponent's errors.Sabalenka converted her first match point on a poorly-controlled drop-shot from Zheng to advance to her 11th major semi-final overall, and her second in Paris following her run in 2023.A three-time Grand Slam winner -- at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 and the reigning US Open champion -- Sabalenka is chasing her sixth Grand Slam final berth.Zheng -- on a 10-match winning run since her Olympic gold in Paris -- blamed nervousness for her errors in her first Paris quarter-finals."In the first set I made a lot of, you know, easy mistakes. I give her the chance so easy," she said."I (was) really tight because I have so much hunger in (the) French Open, and then I think this can make my performance not (the) best."Today I don't even perform at 60, 70 percent."Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The semi-final will be one between two players who know each other well, the pair having faced each other across the net 12 times with Swiatek leading the series 8-4.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka said Tuesday she was expecting another "great battle" with Iga Swiatek when the rivals meet in the semi-finals at Roland Garros. Top seed Sabalenka dispatched Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 in the quarter-finals in Paris and next plays three-time defending champion Swiatek for a place in the final. Swiatek, the fifth seed, got past 13th-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-1, 7-5 to set up the mouthwatering match-up. Also Read - Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event rescheduled for next month. Check date and details inside The semi-final will be one between two players who know each other well, the pair having faced each other across the net 12 times with Swiatek leading the series 8-4. On clay, the Polish player has won five of their six meetings -- most recently in the 2024 finals in Rome and Madrid. Sabalenka's only win on clay was in the final in Madrid in 2023, when she edged Swiatek in three sets. And the Belarusian won their most recent clash -- a straight sets win on hard court in Cincinnati last October. The 27-year-old says she enjoys the rivalry with 24-year-old Swiatek, and the pair who have shared the world number one ranking between them for over three years have become closer of late. "Yeah, I mean, before it wasn't any communication, any practices with her, but now we are getting better," said Sabalenka. "We get along better, and we practice more often, and we know each other quite well. We've had a lot of great battles in the past. "If it's going to be Iga, I'm super excited, and it's high-level matches. Yeah, I'm super excited to go out there and to fight and to do everything I need to get the win." ‘Great rhythm’ Meanwhile Swiatek revealed she has been practising with Sabalenka in the past two weeks since Rome. "It's great always to practice with Aryna. She gives a great rhythm, and the practice will have quality, you know, so it was great," she said. "I feel like we both know how we play, so it's not like you're going to find something extraordinary there." On Tuesday, Sabalenka fought back after struggling in the first set against Zheng, who had beaten her in the last eight on clay in Rome last month. Zheng broke and led 4-2 in the first set. But numerous unforced errors -- 31 in total -- allowed the Belarusian to come back. The second set was also tight before Sabalenka broke back to lead 4-3, taking advantage of her opponent's errors. Sabalenka converted her first match point on a poorly-controlled drop-shot from Zheng to advance to her 11th major semi-final overall, and her second in Paris following her run in 2023. A three-time Grand Slam winner -- at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 and the reigning US Open champion -- Sabalenka is chasing her sixth Grand Slam final berth. Zheng -- on a 10-match winning run since her Olympic gold in Paris -- blamed nervousness for her errors in her first Paris quarter-finals. "In the first set I made a lot of, you know, easy mistakes. I give her the chance so easy," she said. "I (was) really tight because I have so much hunger in (the) French Open, and then I think this can make my performance not (the) best. "Today I don't even perform at 60, 70 percent." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The semi-final will be one between two players who know each other well, the pair having faced each other across the net 12 times with Swiatek leading the series 8-4.

French Open 2025: Sabalenka, Swiatek set up blockbuster semi-final clash in women's singles

A look at eight legendary women who ruled Roland-Garros in the Open Era, from Chris Evert’s seven titles to Iga Swiatek recent streak. See who dominated the French Open across decades.

A look at eight legendary women who ruled Roland-Garros in Open Era, from Chris Evert’s seven titles to Iga Swiatek's recent streak. See who dominated the French Open across decades.

From Chris Evert to Justine Henin, 8 women with most French Open singles title

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/iga-swiatek?page=2" rel="dofollow">Iga Swiatek</a> was dumped out of the Italian Open on Saturday after the reigning Rome champion suffered a shock 6-1, 7-5 defeat at the hands of Danielle Collins, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jannik-sinner" rel="dofollow">Jannik Sinner</a> prepares for his return to action from a contested doping ban.
World number two Swiatek was hunting a fourth title at the Foro Italico but failed to get past the third round of the last major tournament before the French Open following an uncharacteristically bad display against unfancied Collins.
Veteran Collins, 31, will now face one of Elina Svitolina or fellow American Hailey Baptiste in the last 16 as the world number 35 hunts an unlikely second WTA 1000 title after winning in Miami last year.
"In my mind, I was kind of like, well, even though the last couple times we've played, she's beaten me, I've played some of my best tennis in those matches. So that gave me confidence," Collins told reporters.
Swiatek's early exit is a major shock as the Pole usually dominates her rivals on clay and has a hugely impressive record in the Italian capital.
The manner of her defeat is another worrying sign ahead of Roland Garros as she was also thrashed in straight sets by Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open earlier this month.
Swiatek was barely recognisable from the player who has won four French Open titles, being broken four times in the first set and failing to impose herself at all on Collins, against whom she had previously won eight of nine meetings.
The 23-year-old's elimination opens up her side of the women's draw with Naomi Osaka, who could have been her opponent in the quarter-finals, taking on Marie Bouzkova later on Saturday.
Osaka, who is still finding form after a 15-month break from tennis, will face fifth seed Madison Keys in the last 16 if she gets past Bouzkova.
Jasmine Paolini delighted the Rome crowd by sweeping aside Ons Jabeur in straight sets to set up a last-16 clash with Jelena Ostapenko.
<h2><hl2>Sinner mania</hl2></h2>
Italian star Sinner will take partisan centre court packed with over 10,000 fans on Saturday evening against Argentina's Mariano Navone, hoping to shake off the cobwebs as he eyes a run at Roland Garros later this month.
The world number one said before his first training session in Rome that he was just hoping to get past his second round clash with Navone and see where his game is, after an enforced three months on the sidelines.
Sinner hasn't swung a racket in a tournament since claiming his third Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in January, due to a suspension agreed with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February.
His rise to the top of the game in 2024, when he won eight titles including his first two Slams and the ATP Finals, was dogged by the controversy which followed his two positive tests for traces of clostebol in March last year.
Both WADA and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), who initially cleared Sinner in August, accepted he was accidentally contaminated with the banned substance by his physiotherapist.
Italian fans on centre court were given cause to celebrate in the morning by Rome-born Matteo Berrettini beating Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in his first match at his home tournament in four years.
Former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini, who withdrew from the Madrid Open with the latest in a long line of abdominal injuries, will face Madrid champion Casper Ruud in the third round, with the Norwegian beating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Andrey Rublev was dumped out at the first attempt by Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, to continue his poor form since winning in Dubai back in February.
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz also exited after going down 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) to fellow American Marcos Giron.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.
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Swiatek's early exit is a major shock as the Pole usually dominates her rivals on clay and has a hugely impressive record in the Italian capital. Sports, Tennis

Iga Swiatek was dumped out of the Italian Open on Saturday after the reigning Rome champion suffered a shock 6-1, 7-5 defeat at the hands of Danielle Collins, as Jannik Sinner prepares for his return to action from a contested doping ban. World number two Swiatek was hunting a fourth title at the Foro Italico but failed to get past the third round of the last major tournament before the French Open following an uncharacteristically bad display against unfancied Collins. Veteran Collins, 31, will now face one of Elina Svitolina or fellow American Hailey Baptiste in the last 16 as the world number 35 hunts an unlikely second WTA 1000 title after winning in Miami last year. "In my mind, I was kind of like, well, even though the last couple times we've played, she's beaten me, I've played some of my best tennis in those matches. So that gave me confidence," Collins told reporters. Swiatek's early exit is a major shock as the Pole usually dominates her rivals on clay and has a hugely impressive record in the Italian capital. The manner of her defeat is another worrying sign ahead of Roland Garros as she was also thrashed in straight sets by Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open earlier this month. Swiatek was barely recognisable from the player who has won four French Open titles, being broken four times in the first set and failing to impose herself at all on Collins, against whom she had previously won eight of nine meetings. The 23-year-old's elimination opens up her side of the women's draw with Naomi Osaka, who could have been her opponent in the quarter-finals, taking on Marie Bouzkova later on Saturday. Osaka, who is still finding form after a 15-month break from tennis, will face fifth seed Madison Keys in the last 16 if she gets past Bouzkova. Jasmine Paolini delighted the Rome crowd by sweeping aside Ons Jabeur in straight sets to set up a last-16 clash with Jelena Ostapenko. Sinner mania Italian star Sinner will take partisan centre court packed with over 10,000 fans on Saturday evening against Argentina's Mariano Navone, hoping to shake off the cobwebs as he eyes a run at Roland Garros later this month. The world number one said before his first training session in Rome that he was just hoping to get past his second round clash with Navone and see where his game is, after an enforced three months on the sidelines. Sinner hasn't swung a racket in a tournament since claiming his third Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in January, due to a suspension agreed with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February. His rise to the top of the game in 2024, when he won eight titles including his first two Slams and the ATP Finals, was dogged by the controversy which followed his two positive tests for traces of clostebol in March last year. Both WADA and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), who initially cleared Sinner in August, accepted he was accidentally contaminated with the banned substance by his physiotherapist. Italian fans on centre court were given cause to celebrate in the morning by Rome-born Matteo Berrettini beating Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in his first match at his home tournament in four years. Former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini, who withdrew from the Madrid Open with the latest in a long line of abdominal injuries, will face Madrid champion Casper Ruud in the third round, with the Norwegian beating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Andrey Rublev was dumped out at the first attempt by Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, to continue his poor form since winning in Dubai back in February. Fourth seed Taylor Fritz also exited after going down 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) to fellow American Marcos Giron. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Iga Swiatek's Rome title defence ends early as Sinner set for hero's return

Iga Swiatek dismissed Elisabetta Cocciaretto in just 52 minutes as she opened her account at the Italian Open on Thursday.
World number two Swiatek came to Italy on the back of a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.
But the 23-year-old Pole dropped just a single game in winning 6-1, 6-0 against Italian Cocciaretto to move onto a third-round meeting with American Danielle Collins.
<h2>Iga Swiatek makes fast start</h2>
"I felt like the ball was kind of listening to me today and I had full control over the match, so it's always pretty comfortable to play a match like that," Swiatek said.
"You just need to continue the work you've been doing and not expect that it's going to happen more often."
Swiatek is a three-time winner of the Italian Open and is using the clay court tournament as a key step towards her defence of her French Open title, but she is yet to win a tournament this season.
In another second-round match, former world number one Naomi Osaka came from behind to overcome lucky loser Viktorija Golubic 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, cheered on by her home crowd, was a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 winner against Lulu Sun of New Zealand and will face Ons Jabeur in round three after the Tunisian benefited from a walkover against Petra Kvitova.
American third seed Jessica Pegula eased into the third round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. She will next face Elise Mertens after the 25th seed Belgian beat Suzan Lamens in three sets.
Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the USA also progressed following a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win against France's Varvara Gracheva.
Madrid Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina got underway with a win as she bested Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).
Men's world number one Jannik Sinner will make his return to competition after a three-month doping ban by facing Mariano Navone on Saturday after the Argentinian beat Federico Cina 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday.
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Elsewhere in the men's draw, Hungarian Fabian Marozsan eliminated up-and-coming Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets.
Since earning his first Tour-level title in Buenos Aires in February, 18-year-old Fonseca has struggled on the red dirt in Europe with early exits at the Madrid Open and the challenger event in Estoril.
Italian showman Fabio Fognini bowed out of his home Masters event for the final time as the 37-year-old went down 6-2, 6-3 to Briton Jacob Fearnley.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World number two Swiatek came to Italy on the back of a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. Tennis | Sports

Iga Swiatek dismissed Elisabetta Cocciaretto in just 52 minutes as she opened her account at the Italian Open on Thursday. World number two Swiatek came to Italy on the back of a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. But the 23-year-old Pole dropped just a single game in winning 6-1, 6-0 against Italian Cocciaretto to move onto a third-round meeting with American Danielle Collins. Iga Swiatek makes fast start "I felt like the ball was kind of listening to me today and I had full control over the match, so it's always pretty comfortable to play a match like that," Swiatek said. "You just need to continue the work you've been doing and not expect that it's going to happen more often." Swiatek is a three-time winner of the Italian Open and is using the clay court tournament as a key step towards her defence of her French Open title, but she is yet to win a tournament this season. In another second-round match, former world number one Naomi Osaka came from behind to overcome lucky loser Viktorija Golubic 2-6, 7-5, 6-1. Sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, cheered on by her home crowd, was a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 winner against Lulu Sun of New Zealand and will face Ons Jabeur in round three after the Tunisian benefited from a walkover against Petra Kvitova. American third seed Jessica Pegula eased into the third round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. She will next face Elise Mertens after the 25th seed Belgian beat Suzan Lamens in three sets. Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the USA also progressed following a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win against France's Varvara Gracheva. Madrid Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina got underway with a win as she bested Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Men's world number one Jannik Sinner will make his return to competition after a three-month doping ban by facing Mariano Navone on Saturday after the Argentinian beat Federico Cina 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday. ALSO READ | Indo-Pak War | 'We are proud,' Neeraj Chopra reacts on Indian defence forces' swift reply to Pakistani attack Elsewhere in the men's draw, Hungarian Fabian Marozsan eliminated up-and-coming Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets. Since earning his first Tour-level title in Buenos Aires in February, 18-year-old Fonseca has struggled on the red dirt in Europe with early exits at the Madrid Open and the challenger event in Estoril. Italian showman Fabio Fognini bowed out of his home Masters event for the final time as the 37-year-old went down 6-2, 6-3 to Briton Jacob Fearnley. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Italian Open: Iga Swiatek makes fast start, beats Elisabetta Cocciaretto in 52 minutes

World number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/aryna-sabalenka">Aryna Sabalenka</a> cruised into the Stuttgart Open semi-finals on Saturday while two-time champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/iga-swiatek">Iga Swiatek</a> lost to Jelena Ostapenko for the sixth time in as many meetings.
Sabalenka reached the last eight without striking a ball following a bye and walkover, and took time to find her rhythm against Elise Mertens before wrapping up a 6-4, 6-1 victory.&nbsp;Mertens broke for a 4-3 lead in the opening set but Sabalenka hit back right away and reeled off nine of the final 10 games to power into a semi-final showdown with Jasmine Paolini.
"Finally I played my match," Sabalenka said. "Never happened before that I play the first match on Saturday... Happy with the variety of the game I brought today on the court. Yeah, I think it was very decent game."
"I had a week to practice on these courts, so I felt pretty comfortable," she added.
There was a strange incident in the first set when Sabalenka took a photograph of a disputed ball mark after disagreeing with an "out" call on her shot when she was break point down.&nbsp;Sabalenka received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct from the chair umpire but quickly regrouped to take control of the match, putting the distraction to one side.
"When I gave her a handshake, there was a very interesting look and a very strong handshake. Never had it before," Sabalenka said after her post-match exchange with Miriam Bley.
Sabalenka will next play fifth seed Paolini after the Italian swept aside fourth-ranked Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3. Sabalenka beat Paolini in straight sets en route to the title in Miami last month.
A beaten finalist three times in a row from 2021 to 2023, Sabalenka has never won in Stuttgart.&nbsp; Ostapenko, ranked 24 in the world, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in a clash of past and present French Open champions.&nbsp;Swiatek has now lost all six matches against the Latvian, with Saturday's defeat the first on clay.&nbsp;
Swiatek came into the match with an 11-1 record on the Stuttgart clay, but Ostapenko won the first four games and broke Swiatek's serve three times to win the opening set.&nbsp;
The Pole fought back to send the match to a deciding set, but Ostapenko regained control, winning 12 of the opening 15 points on the way to victory.&nbsp;
Ostapenko will face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semi-finals on Sunday, with the final on Monday.&nbsp;Alexandrova continued her underdog run by dumping out third seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4.
Pegula reached the final at the Miami Open in March and won the Charleston Open earlier in April but did not have an answer against her 22nd-ranked opponent, who knocked out Mirra Andreeva in the last 16.&nbsp;
After failing to win a game in the first set, Pegula saved three match points at 5-2 down in the second. She fought off two more at 5-4 but could not hold on.&nbsp;
<h2>Alcaraz to face Rune in Barcelona Open final</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/carlos-alcaraz">Carlos Alcaraz</a> cruised into his third Barcelona Open final with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Arthur Fils on a breezy Saturday and will face Holger Rune, who demolished Karen Khachanov.&nbsp;
Eight days earlier, in the Monte Carlo quarterfinals, Frenchman Fils had won the first set and forced Alcaraz to fight for victory.&nbsp;On Saturday, the Spaniard took control from the start, breaking serve in the third and fifth games of the opening set as Fils struggled with the swirling conditions.
"I started the match really focused on my game and being in a good position every time to hit the right shots," Alcaraz said after the win.
Alcaraz broke again in the third game of the second set and only stuttered when he squandered his first two match points with a double fault and a wild drive, before clinching victory.
After winning in Monte Carlo last week, Alcaraz remains perfect on clay this season. He has not lost in Barcelona since 2021. He won the tournament in 2022 and 2023 before missing last year's event with an arm injury.&nbsp;
"Being in a final in Barcelona again means a lot in front of my people, in front of my friends," Alcaraz said.
Earlier, world number 13 Rune outclassed Khachanov 6-3, 6-2.&nbsp; The 21-year-old Dane did not face a break point in the first set, but broke to love in the seventh game and broke again in the ninth.&nbsp;Khachanov, ranked 27th, suffered another break in the second game of the second set, with Rune consolidating for a 3-0 lead.
<h2 class="txt-title">Zverev sets up birthday bash with Shelton in Munich</h2>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/alexander-zverev">Alexander Zverev</a> will face Ben Shelton in the Munich ATP final on his 28th birthday, after a straight-sets win over Hungarian Fabian Marozsan on Saturday.
Zverev, the top seed on home soil in Munich, won 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, as he targets a third title at a tournament he won in 2017 and 2018.
"It was a pretty good match. I felt calmer on the court, only had a weak game in the first set," said the third-ranked Zverev.&nbsp;"The entire week has been amazing... and hopefully I can have another great day tomorrow."
The final is the 38th of Zverev's career and first since he lost to Jannik Sinner at the&nbsp;Australian Open&nbsp;in January.&nbsp;Zverev broke early in the opening set to run out to a 2-0 lead, but was broken back on the way to a tie-break, which the German dominated.
Marozsan fought hard but was pushed into repeated errors by Zverev, who increasingly had the home fans on his side.&nbsp;The 77th-ranked Marozsan fought off two match points but could not do so a third time, allowing Zverev to reach Sunday's final.&nbsp;
Earlier on Saturday, American world number 15 Shelton came from a set down to beat Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.&nbsp;Outclassed in the opening set, the 22-year-old American's fightback began in the second with an early break.&nbsp;
Cerundolo, ranked 22nd in the world, hit back to force a tie-break, but Shelton won it to level the match.&nbsp; The players exchanged breaks to open the third set before Shelton broke again in the last game to pinch victory and reach the fourth ATP final of his career.&nbsp;
Shelton said after the match he was still working to improve on clay.&nbsp; "Not everything is straightforward and perfect on the clay. You're gonna get broken more... but you can also break more," said Shelton.
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Tennis, Sports: Sabalenka reached the last eight without striking a ball following a bye and walkover, and took time to find her rhythm against Elise Mertens

World number one Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the Stuttgart Open semi-finals on Saturday while two-time champion Iga Swiatek lost to Jelena Ostapenko for the sixth time in as many meetings. Sabalenka reached the last eight without striking a ball following a bye and walkover, and took time to find her rhythm against Elise Mertens before wrapping up a 6-4, 6-1 victory. Mertens broke for a 4-3 lead in the opening set but Sabalenka hit back right away and reeled off nine of the final 10 games to power into a semi-final showdown with Jasmine Paolini. "Finally I played my match," Sabalenka said. "Never happened before that I play the first match on Saturday... Happy with the variety of the game I brought today on the court. Yeah, I think it was very decent game." "I had a week to practice on these courts, so I felt pretty comfortable," she added. There was a strange incident in the first set when Sabalenka took a photograph of a disputed ball mark after disagreeing with an "out" call on her shot when she was break point down. Sabalenka received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct from the chair umpire but quickly regrouped to take control of the match, putting the distraction to one side. "When I gave her a handshake, there was a very interesting look and a very strong handshake. Never had it before," Sabalenka said after her post-match exchange with Miriam Bley. Sabalenka will next play fifth seed Paolini after the Italian swept aside fourth-ranked Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3. Sabalenka beat Paolini in straight sets en route to the title in Miami last month. A beaten finalist three times in a row from 2021 to 2023, Sabalenka has never won in Stuttgart. Ostapenko, ranked 24 in the world, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in a clash of past and present French Open champions. Swiatek has now lost all six matches against the Latvian, with Saturday's defeat the first on clay. Swiatek came into the match with an 11-1 record on the Stuttgart clay, but Ostapenko won the first four games and broke Swiatek's serve three times to win the opening set. The Pole fought back to send the match to a deciding set, but Ostapenko regained control, winning 12 of the opening 15 points on the way to victory. Ostapenko will face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semi-finals on Sunday, with the final on Monday. Alexandrova continued her underdog run by dumping out third seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4. Pegula reached the final at the Miami Open in March and won the Charleston Open earlier in April but did not have an answer against her 22nd-ranked opponent, who knocked out Mirra Andreeva in the last 16. After failing to win a game in the first set, Pegula saved three match points at 5-2 down in the second. She fought off two more at 5-4 but could not hold on. Alcaraz to face Rune in Barcelona Open final Carlos Alcaraz cruised into his third Barcelona Open final with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Arthur Fils on a breezy Saturday and will face Holger Rune, who demolished Karen Khachanov. Eight days earlier, in the Monte Carlo quarterfinals, Frenchman Fils had won the first set and forced Alcaraz to fight for victory. On Saturday, the Spaniard took control from the start, breaking serve in the third and fifth games of the opening set as Fils struggled with the swirling conditions. "I started the match really focused on my game and being in a good position every time to hit the right shots," Alcaraz said after the win. Alcaraz broke again in the third game of the second set and only stuttered when he squandered his first two match points with a double fault and a wild drive, before clinching victory. After winning in Monte Carlo last week, Alcaraz remains perfect on clay this season. He has not lost in Barcelona since 2021. He won the tournament in 2022 and 2023 before missing last year's event with an arm injury. "Being in a final in Barcelona again means a lot in front of my people, in front of my friends," Alcaraz said. Earlier, world number 13 Rune outclassed Khachanov 6-3, 6-2. The 21-year-old Dane did not face a break point in the first set, but broke to love in the seventh game and broke again in the ninth. Khachanov, ranked 27th, suffered another break in the second game of the second set, with Rune consolidating for a 3-0 lead. Zverev sets up birthday bash with Shelton in Munich Alexander Zverev will face Ben Shelton in the Munich ATP final on his 28th birthday, after a straight-sets win over Hungarian Fabian Marozsan on Saturday. Zverev, the top seed on home soil in Munich, won 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, as he targets a third title at a tournament he won in 2017 and 2018. "It was a pretty good match. I felt calmer on the court, only had a weak game in the first set," said the third-ranked Zverev. "The entire week has been amazing... and hopefully I can have another great day tomorrow." The final is the 38th of Zverev's career and first since he lost to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open in January. Zverev broke early in the opening set to run out to a 2-0 lead, but was broken back on the way to a tie-break, which the German dominated. Marozsan fought hard but was pushed into repeated errors by Zverev, who increasingly had the home fans on his side. The 77th-ranked Marozsan fought off two match points but could not do so a third time, allowing Zverev to reach Sunday's final. Earlier on Saturday, American world number 15 Shelton came from a set down to beat Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. Outclassed in the opening set, the 22-year-old American's fightback began in the second with an early break. Cerundolo, ranked 22nd in the world, hit back to force a tie-break, but Shelton won it to level the match. The players exchanged breaks to open the third set before Shelton broke again in the last game to pinch victory and reach the fourth ATP final of his career. Shelton said after the match he was still working to improve on clay. "Not everything is straightforward and perfect on the clay. You're gonna get broken more... but you can also break more," said Shelton. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Aryna Sabalenka reaches Stuttgart semis as Ostapenko extends Swiatek mastery

Alexandra Eala, a 19-year-old wildcard from the Philippines, produced a huge upset at the Miami Open on Wednesday, defeating world number two Iga Swiatek 6-2,7-5 to reach the semi-finals.<o:p></o:p>
Ranked 140th in the world, Eala, the first woman from her country to reach the last eight of a WTA 1000 tournament, took advantage of an unusually poor display from Swiatek, keeping her focus as she fought back from 4-2 down in the second set.<o:p></o:p>
Eala broke the Pole for the eighth and final time when Swiatek was serving to stay in the match at 6-5 down in the second set and looked stunned as she struggled to contain her emotions.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-lebron-james-buzzer-beater-wins-it-for-lakers-against-indiana-pacers-basketball-8894956" rel="dofollow">NBA: LeBron James' buzzer-beater wins it for Lakers against Indiana Pacers</a>
"I'm just in disbelief right now. It's so surreal," she said on court. "I'm so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage," said Eala, who has now beaten three grand slam winners on her route to the last four at Miami -- having dealt with Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys before upsetting four-time French Open champion Swiatek.<o:p></o:p>
"I'm trusting my shots and I have a great team to tell me that I can do it," she said.<o:p></o:p>
Eala moved to Spain at the age of 13 to join Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca and Toni Nadal, the Spaniard's uncle and former coach, was in her box for the match.<o:p></o:p>
"It meant a lot that he showed up here. It showed the confidence he had in me and the confidence the academy had in me," she said. "Just because I won this match or the one before doesn't make the next one any less tough. If anything it will be more tough, so it will take everything that I have," said Eala.<o:p></o:p>
Swiatek will look forward to moving on to the clay season after conceding that she had been far from her usual level.<o:p></o:p>
"I'm sure I wasn't playing my best game and I felt like my forehand collapsed a little, so it wasn't comfortable and Alexandra, for sure, used her chances and pushed me, so for sure she deserves to win this match," she said. "I don't want to think about this too long. It's nice to learn from losses but there are other things ahead and I am happy we are going to play on clay."<o:p></o:p>
Eala will face Jessica Pegula in Thursday's semi-final after the American outlasted&nbsp; Britain's Emma Raducanu to win 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2.<o:p></o:p>
Raducanu was 5-3 up and serving for the set in the second but was broken and then had a lengthy medical time-out where she appeared to be being treated for over-heating.<o:p></o:p>
She returned and won the tie-break but struggled to regain her momentum in the third set where Pegula broke early and never lost control. The American hit 48 winners in the match.<o:p></o:p>
"It was tough," said Pegula, "I played a good first set then she started moving the ball really well and serving good. I just wanted to come out in the third, really, strong and quick and kind of jump on her," she said.<o:p></o:p>
"I want to make it to that final so bad, so I will give it another shot tomorrow," she added.
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Sports, Tennis: Eala moved to Spain at the age of 13 to join Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca and Toni Nadal, the Spaniard's uncle was in her box for the match.

Alexandra Eala, a 19-year-old wildcard from the Philippines, produced a huge upset at the Miami Open on Wednesday, defeating world number two Iga Swiatek 6-2,7-5 to reach the semi-finals. Ranked 140th in the world, Eala, the first woman from her country to reach the last eight of a WTA 1000 tournament, took advantage of an unusually poor display from Swiatek, keeping her focus as she fought back from 4-2 down in the second set. Eala broke the Pole for the eighth and final time when Swiatek was serving to stay in the match at 6-5 down in the second set and looked stunned as she struggled to contain her emotions. Also read | NBA: LeBron James' buzzer-beater wins it for Lakers against Indiana Pacers "I'm just in disbelief right now. It's so surreal," she said on court. "I'm so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage," said Eala, who has now beaten three grand slam winners on her route to the last four at Miami -- having dealt with Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys before upsetting four-time French Open champion Swiatek. "I'm trusting my shots and I have a great team to tell me that I can do it," she said. Eala moved to Spain at the age of 13 to join Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca and Toni Nadal, the Spaniard's uncle and former coach, was in her box for the match. "It meant a lot that he showed up here. It showed the confidence he had in me and the confidence the academy had in me," she said. "Just because I won this match or the one before doesn't make the next one any less tough. If anything it will be more tough, so it will take everything that I have," said Eala. Swiatek will look forward to moving on to the clay season after conceding that she had been far from her usual level. "I'm sure I wasn't playing my best game and I felt like my forehand collapsed a little, so it wasn't comfortable and Alexandra, for sure, used her chances and pushed me, so for sure she deserves to win this match," she said. "I don't want to think about this too long. It's nice to learn from losses but there are other things ahead and I am happy we are going to play on clay." Eala will face Jessica Pegula in Thursday's semi-final after the American outlasted Britain's Emma Raducanu to win 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2. Raducanu was 5-3 up and serving for the set in the second but was broken and then had a lengthy medical time-out where she appeared to be being treated for over-heating. She returned and won the tie-break but struggled to regain her momentum in the third set where Pegula broke early and never lost control. The American hit 48 winners in the match. "It was tough," said Pegula, "I played a good first set then she started moving the ball really well and serving good. I just wanted to come out in the third, really, strong and quick and kind of jump on her," she said. "I want to make it to that final so bad, so I will give it another shot tomorrow," she added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Philippines teen Eala stuns world number 2 Swiatek to reach Miami Open semis

Three-time defending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/qatar-open">Qatar Open</a> champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/iga-swiatek">Iga Swiatek</a> suffered a crushing 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Jelena Ostapenko in the semi-finals on Friday, her fifth loss in as many meetings with the mercurial Latvian.
Swiatek entered the semi-finals carrying a 15-match winning streak in Doha, having clinched the title in each of the last three editions.
The five-time Grand Slam champion was looking to become the first player since 2011 &ndash; and just second this century &ndash; to win the same WTA tournament four years in a row but Ostapenko had other ideas.
Ostapenko, the 2017 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/roland-garros">Roland Garros</a> champion, became the first player to defeat Swiatek on five occasions.&nbsp;The world number 37 fired 24 winners against just 15 unforced errors, brushing aside the second-ranked Pole after just 70 minutes of play.
Ostapenko is through to the third WTA 1000 final of her career and is searching for her first title at that level, having lost on her two previous attempts in Doha 2016 and Miami 2018.
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She will face Amanda Anisimova in Saturday's championship match after the American defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-3 to reach her second WTA 1000 final.
"I feel like this court has a special energy and it was always helping me. Everything started for me on this court (when I reached the final in 2016)," said Ostapenko.
"Today when I went on the court I was pretty confident that I could beat her because we played a lot of matches and I kind of know how to play against her. I was just focusing on myself and knew what I had to do. I'm really happy with the way I'm handling my emotions this week and I'm so happy to be in the final."
A blistering start from Ostapenko saw the Latvian unleash a forehand winner to break Swiatek in the opening game of the contest and she surrendered just one point on her way to a 2-0 lead.
Ostapenko got her hands on three set points on the Swiatek serve at 5-3 and converted her third opportunity to scoop the first set in 35 minutes.
The start of the second set followed a similar pattern to the first, with Ostapenko punishing Swiatek's serve, and attacking any short ball that came her way.
As the match clock hit one hour, Ostapenko was already up a set and 4-0 and cruising. Swiatek halted the momentum by getting one of the breaks back but her comeback attempt was short-lived as she dropped serve again the following game en route to a hefty defeat.
<h2>'Knew what to expect'&nbsp;</h2>
Ostapenko limited Swiatek to under 50 percent in points won behind the first or second serve and logged seven return winners against the Pole.
"Obviously I was preparing for the match, and I pretty much knew what to expect from her," said Ostapenko of her success on return against Swiatek.
"I don't know, sometimes I know where the ball's coming, but sometimes I'm just going with my feelings and my instincts, so that helps me."
Another streak was broken on Friday as Anisimova, 23, ended Alexandrova's eight-match unbeaten run to advance to the final.&nbsp;Alexandrova ousted two top-five players in Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula on her way to the Doha semi-finals, and was coming off of a title run in Linz earlier this month.
Anisimova broke twice to open up an early 4-0 gap and it took Alexandrova 22 minutes before she finally got on the board.&nbsp;The big-hitting American bagged the opening set in 43 minutes and built a 4-1 lead in the second before securing passage to the fifth WTA final of her career. &nbsp;
Anisimova saved nine of the 10 break points she faced during the match to set up an all-unseeded showdown against Ostapenko.
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Sports, Tennis: Iga was looking to become the first player since 2011 – and just second this century – to win the same WTA tournament four years in a row but Jelena had other ideas

Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek suffered a crushing 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Jelena Ostapenko in the semi-finals on Friday, her fifth loss in as many meetings with the mercurial Latvian. Swiatek entered the semi-finals carrying a 15-match winning streak in Doha, having clinched the title in each of the last three editions. The five-time Grand Slam champion was looking to become the first player since 2011 – and just second this century – to win the same WTA tournament four years in a row but Ostapenko had other ideas. Ostapenko, the 2017 Roland Garros champion, became the first player to defeat Swiatek on five occasions. The world number 37 fired 24 winners against just 15 unforced errors, brushing aside the second-ranked Pole after just 70 minutes of play. Ostapenko is through to the third WTA 1000 final of her career and is searching for her first title at that level, having lost on her two previous attempts in Doha 2016 and Miami 2018. Also Read: Mitoma & Minteh’s magic inspires Brighton to dominating win over Chelsea She will face Amanda Anisimova in Saturday's championship match after the American defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-3 to reach her second WTA 1000 final. "I feel like this court has a special energy and it was always helping me. Everything started for me on this court (when I reached the final in 2016)," said Ostapenko. "Today when I went on the court I was pretty confident that I could beat her because we played a lot of matches and I kind of know how to play against her. I was just focusing on myself and knew what I had to do. I'm really happy with the way I'm handling my emotions this week and I'm so happy to be in the final." A blistering start from Ostapenko saw the Latvian unleash a forehand winner to break Swiatek in the opening game of the contest and she surrendered just one point on her way to a 2-0 lead. Ostapenko got her hands on three set points on the Swiatek serve at 5-3 and converted her third opportunity to scoop the first set in 35 minutes. The start of the second set followed a similar pattern to the first, with Ostapenko punishing Swiatek's serve, and attacking any short ball that came her way. As the match clock hit one hour, Ostapenko was already up a set and 4-0 and cruising. Swiatek halted the momentum by getting one of the breaks back but her comeback attempt was short-lived as she dropped serve again the following game en route to a hefty defeat. 'Knew what to expect' Ostapenko limited Swiatek to under 50 percent in points won behind the first or second serve and logged seven return winners against the Pole. "Obviously I was preparing for the match, and I pretty much knew what to expect from her," said Ostapenko of her success on return against Swiatek. "I don't know, sometimes I know where the ball's coming, but sometimes I'm just going with my feelings and my instincts, so that helps me." Another streak was broken on Friday as Anisimova, 23, ended Alexandrova's eight-match unbeaten run to advance to the final. Alexandrova ousted two top-five players in Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula on her way to the Doha semi-finals, and was coming off of a title run in Linz earlier this month. Anisimova broke twice to open up an early 4-0 gap and it took Alexandrova 22 minutes before she finally got on the board. The big-hitting American bagged the opening set in 43 minutes and built a 4-1 lead in the second before securing passage to the fifth WTA final of her career. Anisimova saved nine of the 10 break points she faced during the match to set up an all-unseeded showdown against Ostapenko. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Qatar Open: Ostapenko keeps it perfect against Swiatek to reach final

Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Qatar Open on Thursday with a straight sets win over last year's runner-up Elena Rybakina. Second-seed Swiatek staved off a fightback from the fifth-seeded Kazakh in the second set to win through 6-2, 7-5.<o:p></o:p>
Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth-seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 having eliminated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the second round.<o:p></o:p>
After the exits of Rybakina and Pegula, Swiatek is the last survivor among the Doha seeds. <o:p></o:p>
"I'm super happy and proud of myself, in the second set I felt she lifted her level," said Swiatek, who next plays either Tunisia's 35th ranked Ons Jabeur, a former world number two, or 37th-ranked Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia.<o:p></o:p>
"They have totally different game styles. I need to be prepared for some tricky shots, but I have some myself," added five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek who is bidding for a 23rd WTA title.<o:p></o:p>
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Against Rybakina, Swiatek easily won the first set in just over half an hour after breaking her rival's serve twice.&nbsp;But the Pole was broken at the start of the second and struggled to catch up for a long time, missing five break points before finally finding the opening to get back to 4-4. <o:p></o:p>
A break at 6-5 in favour of Swiatek, sealed by a double fault from Rybakina, ensured the Pole won the game.<o:p></o:p>
Earlier Alexandrova, ranked 26th, extended her winning run to eight matches having won the tournament in Linz, Austria this month.<o:p></o:p>
The Russian struggled in the first set against her fifth-ranked opponent, saving six of eight break points, and paying for four double faults. <o:p></o:p>
But she took control thereafter allowing her opponent just two games to ease through for a 2-1 record in their third meeting.<o:p></o:p>
"I just play every single match and every single point and I don't think about the future," said the 30-year-old, who is bidding for a sixth career title. <o:p></o:p>
She next meets either Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk or American Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final.<o:p></o:p>
"It's step by step and I am glad that policy is working out as I feel amazing. Being in semis is just great.<o:p></o:p>
"When I saw the draw I thought maybe I will not get very far. But overall so far played great matches here...hope it continues."
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Sports, Tennis: Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth-seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 having eliminated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the second round.

Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Qatar Open on Thursday with a straight sets win over last year's runner-up Elena Rybakina. Second-seed Swiatek staved off a fightback from the fifth-seeded Kazakh in the second set to win through 6-2, 7-5. Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth-seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 having eliminated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the second round. After the exits of Rybakina and Pegula, Swiatek is the last survivor among the Doha seeds. "I'm super happy and proud of myself, in the second set I felt she lifted her level," said Swiatek, who next plays either Tunisia's 35th ranked Ons Jabeur, a former world number two, or 37th-ranked Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia. "They have totally different game styles. I need to be prepared for some tricky shots, but I have some myself," added five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek who is bidding for a 23rd WTA title. Also read | Exclusive: Jyoti sets sights on FIH Pro League 2024/25 after HIL success Against Rybakina, Swiatek easily won the first set in just over half an hour after breaking her rival's serve twice. But the Pole was broken at the start of the second and struggled to catch up for a long time, missing five break points before finally finding the opening to get back to 4-4. A break at 6-5 in favour of Swiatek, sealed by a double fault from Rybakina, ensured the Pole won the game. Earlier Alexandrova, ranked 26th, extended her winning run to eight matches having won the tournament in Linz, Austria this month. The Russian struggled in the first set against her fifth-ranked opponent, saving six of eight break points, and paying for four double faults. But she took control thereafter allowing her opponent just two games to ease through for a 2-1 record in their third meeting. "I just play every single match and every single point and I don't think about the future," said the 30-year-old, who is bidding for a sixth career title. She next meets either Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk or American Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final. "It's step by step and I am glad that policy is working out as I feel amazing. Being in semis is just great. "When I saw the draw I thought maybe I will not get very far. But overall so far played great matches here...hope it continues." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis: Defending champion Iga Swiatek cruises into Qatar Open semis

Three-time defending Qatar Open champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Iga+Swiatek" rel="dofollow">Iga Swiatek</a> scraped her way past Czech youngster Linda Noskova on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final clash with last year's runner-up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Elena+Rybakina" rel="dofollow">Elena Rybakina</a>.
Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 -- ending a run of 25 wins in a row -- but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4 and extend her winning streak at the tournament to 14 matches.
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The five-time Grand Slam champion will take on 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals. Swiatek beat Rybakina in straight sets in the final 12 months ago.
The Pole's reign looked in jeopardy when the 20-year-old Noskova, a semi-finalist in Abu Dhabi last week, dominated a first set tie-break after being unable to capitalise on five break points.
Swiatek, without a title since the French Open in June, broke to go 3-2 up in the second set. Noskova immediately hit back, but the second seed responded in kind to regain her advantage.
Noskova had a break point as her opponent served for the set, but Swiatek kept her cool to force a decider.
Swiatek won the first two games of the final set before Noskova reeled off the next three for a 3-2 edge, and the Pole was wobbling in the eighth game.
However, from 0-30 down on her serve, she rattled off six straight points to hold and then land the crucial break with a forehand into the open court.
Swiatek closed out the victory in the following game despite winning fewer points than Noskova overall.
Rybakina progressed earlier in the day with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova.
The fifth seed from Kazakhstan battled inconsistency in the first set after racing into a 3-0 lead, failing to convert three set points in the 10th game before finally taking charge in the tie-break.
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina broke world number 46 Sramkova to start the second set and won the first four games as she wrapped up the victory with minimal fuss.
Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov&nbsp;remains banned following the conclusion of an investigation, the WTA confirmed on Tuesday.
He was provisionally suspended last month for allegedly breaching the tour's code of conduct.
<h2>Paolini, Sabalenka ousted</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasmine-paolini">Jasmine Paolini</a> became the latest seed to fall on Wednesday as the fourth-ranked Italian was blown away 6-2, 6-2 by the mercurial Jelena Ostapenko.
Ostapenko, who had not won back-to-back matches since Wimbledon until this week, will play Ons Jabeur or Sofia Kenin for a place in the semi-finals.
Four of the top 10 seeds fell on Tuesday as world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa all exited in the second round. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula avoided the same fate as she defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 7-5.
Ekaterina Alexandrova followed up her victory over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/aryna-sabalenka">Sabalenka</a> by brushing aside Elise Mertens in two sets, while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beat Poland's Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2.
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Tennis, Sports: Iga Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 — ending a run of 25 wins in a row — but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4

Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek scraped her way past Czech youngster Linda Noskova on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final clash with last year's runner-up Elena Rybakina. Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 -- ending a run of 25 wins in a row -- but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4 and extend her winning streak at the tournament to 14 matches. Also Read: India paddle festival returns for second edition as nation prepares for aquatic sports ahead 2026 Asian Games The five-time Grand Slam champion will take on 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals. Swiatek beat Rybakina in straight sets in the final 12 months ago. The Pole's reign looked in jeopardy when the 20-year-old Noskova, a semi-finalist in Abu Dhabi last week, dominated a first set tie-break after being unable to capitalise on five break points. Swiatek, without a title since the French Open in June, broke to go 3-2 up in the second set. Noskova immediately hit back, but the second seed responded in kind to regain her advantage. Noskova had a break point as her opponent served for the set, but Swiatek kept her cool to force a decider. Swiatek won the first two games of the final set before Noskova reeled off the next three for a 3-2 edge, and the Pole was wobbling in the eighth game. However, from 0-30 down on her serve, she rattled off six straight points to hold and then land the crucial break with a forehand into the open court. Swiatek closed out the victory in the following game despite winning fewer points than Noskova overall. Rybakina progressed earlier in the day with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova. The fifth seed from Kazakhstan battled inconsistency in the first set after racing into a 3-0 lead, failing to convert three set points in the 10th game before finally taking charge in the tie-break. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina broke world number 46 Sramkova to start the second set and won the first four games as she wrapped up the victory with minimal fuss. Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov remains banned following the conclusion of an investigation, the WTA confirmed on Tuesday. He was provisionally suspended last month for allegedly breaching the tour's code of conduct. Paolini, Sabalenka ousted Jasmine Paolini became the latest seed to fall on Wednesday as the fourth-ranked Italian was blown away 6-2, 6-2 by the mercurial Jelena Ostapenko. Ostapenko, who had not won back-to-back matches since Wimbledon until this week, will play Ons Jabeur or Sofia Kenin for a place in the semi-finals. Four of the top 10 seeds fell on Tuesday as world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa all exited in the second round. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula avoided the same fate as she defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 7-5. Ekaterina Alexandrova followed up her victory over Sabalenka by brushing aside Elise Mertens in two sets, while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beat Poland's Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Qatar Open: Battling Swiatek lines up quarterfinal against Elena Rybakina

A relentless Iga Swiatek stayed on course for a maiden Australian Open title as she powered into the second week with a statement victory over Emma Raducanu on Saturday. In battle of former US Open champions, Swiatek easily had the measure of Raducanu as she romped to a 6-1, 6-0 triumph, rattling off 11 consecutive games from 1-1 in a brutal display.<o:p></o:p>
Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek hit 24 winners to Raducanu's nine on Rod Laver Arena. <o:p></o:p>
"I played a few shots that I thought after them, this is what I practise for to play these kind of shots, and that's why I really enjoyed today's match," said Swiatek, who was at times untouchable, committing just 12 unforced errors. "I felt really confident, so at the end I could push for even more. <o:p></o:p>
"Having converted all these break points as well was important, so I'm really happy with today's performance."<o:p></o:p>
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It was the first time that Raducanu, the 2021 Flushing Meadows winner, had reached the third round in Melbourne.<o:p></o:p>
Swiatek, the 2022 champion in New York, is looking to improve on a patchy record at the Australian Open, where she has only reached one semi-final in 2022.<o:p></o:p>
She is on course to do that in some style, having dropped just 10 games in her three matches so far.<o:p></o:p>
She put the 22-year-old Raducanu under severe pressure from the start, forcing the Briton to save break points in her first service game. <o:p></o:p>
It was to be the only game Raducanu won as the 23-year-old Pole took control, her depth, power and precision enabling her to reel off five straight games to take the set in 31 minutes.<o:p></o:p>
Raducanu was feeling the heat and dropped her serve again at the start of the second. <o:p></o:p>
At 0-5 30-0 on the Swiatek serve Raducanu had a brief glimmer of avoiding a dreaded 6-0 "bagel".<o:p></o:p>
But Swiatek snuffed out the chance, levelled at 30-30 with a forehand winner and an unreturned serve completed the demolition job in just 1hr 10min.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
Ranked 61, Raducanu's best Slam effort since winning the US Open has been a lone fourth-round at Wimbledon.<o:p></o:p>
She pulled out of her Australian Open warm-up event in Auckland with a back niggle and needed an injury timeout for a tight leg muscle in the previous round.<o:p></o:p>
Swiatek's path to a maiden Grand Slam final is opening up.<o:p></o:p>
With the in-form Coco Gauff and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the other half of the draw a potential semi-final against Elena Rybakina looms as her biggest hurdle.<o:p></o:p>
Swiatek has a straightforward-looking assignment next against either Eva Lys from Germany, ranked 128, or Romania's world number 82 Jaqueline Christian for a place in the quarter-finals.
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Sports, Tennis: Iga Swiatek, the 2022 champion in New York, is looking to improve on a patchy record at the Australian Open, where she has only reached one semi-final in 2022.

A relentless Iga Swiatek stayed on course for a maiden Australian Open title as she powered into the second week with a statement victory over Emma Raducanu on Saturday. In battle of former US Open champions, Swiatek easily had the measure of Raducanu as she romped to a 6-1, 6-0 triumph, rattling off 11 consecutive games from 1-1 in a brutal display. Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek hit 24 winners to Raducanu's nine on Rod Laver Arena. "I played a few shots that I thought after them, this is what I practise for to play these kind of shots, and that's why I really enjoyed today's match," said Swiatek, who was at times untouchable, committing just 12 unforced errors. "I felt really confident, so at the end I could push for even more. "Having converted all these break points as well was important, so I'm really happy with today's performance." Also read | Australian Open 2025: Here's what we know about Novak Djokovic's injury scare in third round It was the first time that Raducanu, the 2021 Flushing Meadows winner, had reached the third round in Melbourne. Swiatek, the 2022 champion in New York, is looking to improve on a patchy record at the Australian Open, where she has only reached one semi-final in 2022. She is on course to do that in some style, having dropped just 10 games in her three matches so far. She put the 22-year-old Raducanu under severe pressure from the start, forcing the Briton to save break points in her first service game. It was to be the only game Raducanu won as the 23-year-old Pole took control, her depth, power and precision enabling her to reel off five straight games to take the set in 31 minutes. Raducanu was feeling the heat and dropped her serve again at the start of the second. At 0-5 30-0 on the Swiatek serve Raducanu had a brief glimmer of avoiding a dreaded 6-0 "bagel". But Swiatek snuffed out the chance, levelled at 30-30 with a forehand winner and an unreturned serve completed the demolition job in just 1hr 10min. Ranked 61, Raducanu's best Slam effort since winning the US Open has been a lone fourth-round at Wimbledon. She pulled out of her Australian Open warm-up event in Auckland with a back niggle and needed an injury timeout for a tight leg muscle in the previous round. Swiatek's path to a maiden Grand Slam final is opening up. With the in-form Coco Gauff and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the other half of the draw a potential semi-final against Elena Rybakina looms as her biggest hurdle. Swiatek has a straightforward-looking assignment next against either Eva Lys from Germany, ranked 128, or Romania's world number 82 Jaqueline Christian for a place in the quarter-finals. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Relentless Swiatek squashes Raducanu to reach Australian Open last 16

Iga Swiatek romped to an emphatic victory in her season-opening match at the United Cup Monday, but Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed as Kazakhstan upset Greece to make the knockout round of the mixed-team tournament.<o:p></o:p>
Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek was on court for the first time since news broke in late November that she served a one-month ban for a doping violation.<o:p></o:p>
But the Pole quickly shook off any nerves in Sydney with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of Norway's Malene Helgo.<o:p></o:p>
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"Pleased with everything, honestly. I'm happy for sure with the performance," said the world number two. "It's not always easy to play for your country, sometimes the pressure is a bit bigger.<o:p></o:p>
"I feel good, I feel happy, happy I can play tennis overall," she added. "I'm just going step by step and we'll see what's next."<o:p></o:p>
The 23-year-old had tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August, when she was ranked number one.<o:p></o:p>
However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the violation was not intentional, and she escaped with a one-month sanction.<o:p></o:p>
While she was in electric form, Greek star Tsitsipas had a day to forget.<o:p></o:p>
He is coming off a mediocre 2024 in which his ranking dropped to its current 11 from a career-high three and was hoping for a confidence-boosting fresh start in Perth.<o:p></o:p>
But he was stunned 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) by 78th-ranked Alexander Shevchenko.<o:p></o:p>
<h2>Germany and China go through<o:p></o:p></h2>
Kazakh world number six and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina then survived a late wobble before burying Greek hopes with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Maria Sakkari.<o:p></o:p>
"I'm really happy for the team," said Rybakina, now working with Novak Djokovic's former coach Goran Ivanisevic. "We all tried hard. <o:p></o:p>
"It was a tough match for me today, and I'm so happy to be in the quarter-finals."<o:p></o:p>
Rybakina took the first set and led 5-0 in the second, but the former world number three Sakkari won three games in a row to threaten a comeback.<o:p></o:p>
Rybakina came through on her third match point as Sakkari mishit an overhead.<o:p></o:p>
"At 5-0 you have nothing to lose, she played more aggressively and hit some good shots," said Rybakina.<o:p></o:p>
Shevchenko called his defeat of a sluggish Tsitsipas "one of the best" of his career.<o:p></o:p>
"He was not at his best today. But I played really well and found the moment to win that match," he said. "It will definitely go in my record as one of my best wins."<o:p></o:p>
Defending champions Germany, led by Alexander Zverev, defeated China 2-1 in the Perth evening session as both nations reached the quarterfinals.<o:p></o:p>
The Germans finished top in their group and will line up on Wednesday against Kazakhstan. China advanced as the best of the three runners-up in Perth.<o:p></o:p>
Second-ranked Zverev recovered from a bad start to beat Zhang Zhizhen 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 but unfancied Gao Xinyu stunned German Laura Siegemund 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to even the tie.<o:p></o:p>
The German pair combined in mixed doubles to defeat Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).<o:p></o:p>
Zverev had his problems in the opening rubber against an inconsistent Zhang, who swept the opening set but disappeared after that.<o:p></o:p>
"I didn't start off well. I was missing more shots from my backhand side, which is normally the most stable," said Zverev. "He was also playing extremely well, so aggressive. He was not letting me into the match or find my rhythm. <o:p></o:p>
"Then I found my rhythm, and I'm happy with my performance in the second and third sets."<o:p></o:p>
In Sydney, Katie Boulter led Britain to victory over Argentina with all three teams in the group, which also includes hosts Australia, still in contention for the knockout rounds&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
World number 24 Boulter downed 100th-ranked Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-3. <o:p></o:p>
Underdog Billy Harris looked on track to seal the tie for Britain when he went a set up against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.<o:p></o:p>
But the Argentine rallied for a gutsy 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win to send the tie to a deciding mixed doubles.<o:p></o:p>
Etcheverry fronted up again with Maria Carle to take on Boulter and Charles Broom, with the British pair coming out on top 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.
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Sports: Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek was on court for the first time since news broke in late November that she served a one-month ban for a doping violation.

Iga Swiatek romped to an emphatic victory in her season-opening match at the United Cup Monday, but Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed as Kazakhstan upset Greece to make the knockout round of the mixed-team tournament. Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek was on court for the first time since news broke in late November that she served a one-month ban for a doping violation. But the Pole quickly shook off any nerves in Sydney with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of Norway's Malene Helgo. Also read | NBA fines Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards for profanity "Pleased with everything, honestly. I'm happy for sure with the performance," said the world number two. "It's not always easy to play for your country, sometimes the pressure is a bit bigger. "I feel good, I feel happy, happy I can play tennis overall," she added. "I'm just going step by step and we'll see what's next." The 23-year-old had tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August, when she was ranked number one. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the violation was not intentional, and she escaped with a one-month sanction. While she was in electric form, Greek star Tsitsipas had a day to forget. He is coming off a mediocre 2024 in which his ranking dropped to its current 11 from a career-high three and was hoping for a confidence-boosting fresh start in Perth. But he was stunned 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) by 78th-ranked Alexander Shevchenko. Germany and China go through Kazakh world number six and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina then survived a late wobble before burying Greek hopes with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Maria Sakkari. "I'm really happy for the team," said Rybakina, now working with Novak Djokovic's former coach Goran Ivanisevic. "We all tried hard. "It was a tough match for me today, and I'm so happy to be in the quarter-finals." Rybakina took the first set and led 5-0 in the second, but the former world number three Sakkari won three games in a row to threaten a comeback. Rybakina came through on her third match point as Sakkari mishit an overhead. "At 5-0 you have nothing to lose, she played more aggressively and hit some good shots," said Rybakina. Shevchenko called his defeat of a sluggish Tsitsipas "one of the best" of his career. "He was not at his best today. But I played really well and found the moment to win that match," he said. "It will definitely go in my record as one of my best wins." Defending champions Germany, led by Alexander Zverev, defeated China 2-1 in the Perth evening session as both nations reached the quarterfinals. The Germans finished top in their group and will line up on Wednesday against Kazakhstan. China advanced as the best of the three runners-up in Perth. Second-ranked Zverev recovered from a bad start to beat Zhang Zhizhen 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 but unfancied Gao Xinyu stunned German Laura Siegemund 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to even the tie. The German pair combined in mixed doubles to defeat Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen 6-2, 7-6 (7/3). Zverev had his problems in the opening rubber against an inconsistent Zhang, who swept the opening set but disappeared after that. "I didn't start off well. I was missing more shots from my backhand side, which is normally the most stable," said Zverev. "He was also playing extremely well, so aggressive. He was not letting me into the match or find my rhythm. "Then I found my rhythm, and I'm happy with my performance in the second and third sets." In Sydney, Katie Boulter led Britain to victory over Argentina with all three teams in the group, which also includes hosts Australia, still in contention for the knockout rounds World number 24 Boulter downed 100th-ranked Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-3. Underdog Billy Harris looked on track to seal the tie for Britain when he went a set up against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. But the Argentine rallied for a gutsy 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win to send the tie to a deciding mixed doubles. Etcheverry fronted up again with Maria Carle to take on Boulter and Charles Broom, with the British pair coming out on top 7-6 (7/4), 7-5. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis: Iga Swiatek romps as Stefanos Tsitsipas crashes at United Cup

Sydney,&nbsp;Australia: World number two Iga Swiatek said on Friday she was ready to put a drugs scandal behind her, insisting there was no reason for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to appeal against her case.&nbsp;The 23-year-old Pole tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August when she was ranked number one.
However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the violation was not intentional and she escaped with a one-month sanction that saw her miss three tournaments in Asia and lose her top ranking.
News of the saga only emerged in late November and she will play her first tournament since then at the mixed-teams United Cup in Sydney ahead of the Australian Open next month.
Swiatek said that, while the incident had been "mentally tough", the public response had been generally positive, allaying fears that she would be ostracised.
"I think people, most of them, are understanding," said the five-time Grand Slam champion.&nbsp;"And the ones who read the documents and are aware of how the system works, they know that I had no fault and I had no influence on what was going on.&nbsp;"I try to just go on with my life and focus on different things, focus on preparing for the season and on tennis, because this is the best thing you can do after a case like that," she said.
Her case is similar to that of Italian men's world number one Jannik Sinner.&nbsp;He was exonerated by the ITIA for twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March. But WADA appealed against the decision in September and he is awaiting the outcome.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/german-star-alexander-zverev-aiming-to-challenge-jannik-sinner-for-top-ranking-8569649" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">German star Alexander Zverev aiming to challenge Jannik Sinner for top ranking</a>
Swiatek said she does not anticipate WADA will follow the same path with her.
"I gave every possible evidence and there is not much, honestly, more to do," she said.&nbsp;"There is no point to do an appeal in our opinion.&nbsp; "But, you know, I guess overall, this whole process was pretty abstract sometimes and hard to understand from a point of view where you don't think about the law and everything.&nbsp;
"But honestly, this is about the law and the wording and this kind of stuff. So I'm not expecting an appeal, but I have kind of no influence on what's going to happen.&nbsp; "But I can say from the processes that I went through and how they treated me from the beginning, that it seemed fair for me," she said.
"I managed to give the source (of the contamination) pretty quickly. That's why the case closed, pretty quickly."
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Tennis: World number two Iga Swiatek not expecting WADA appeal over doping scandal

Sydney, Australia: World number two Iga Swiatek said on Friday she was ready to put a drugs scandal behind her, insisting there was no reason for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to appeal against her case. The 23-year-old Pole tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August when she was ranked number one. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the violation was not intentional and she escaped with a one-month sanction that saw her miss three tournaments in Asia and lose her top ranking. News of the saga only emerged in late November and she will play her first tournament since then at the mixed-teams United Cup in Sydney ahead of the Australian Open next month. Swiatek said that, while the incident had been "mentally tough", the public response had been generally positive, allaying fears that she would be ostracised. "I think people, most of them, are understanding," said the five-time Grand Slam champion. "And the ones who read the documents and are aware of how the system works, they know that I had no fault and I had no influence on what was going on. "I try to just go on with my life and focus on different things, focus on preparing for the season and on tennis, because this is the best thing you can do after a case like that," she said. Her case is similar to that of Italian men's world number one Jannik Sinner. He was exonerated by the ITIA for twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March. But WADA appealed against the decision in September and he is awaiting the outcome. Also read: German star Alexander Zverev aiming to challenge Jannik Sinner for top ranking Swiatek said she does not anticipate WADA will follow the same path with her. "I gave every possible evidence and there is not much, honestly, more to do," she said. "There is no point to do an appeal in our opinion. "But, you know, I guess overall, this whole process was pretty abstract sometimes and hard to understand from a point of view where you don't think about the law and everything. "But honestly, this is about the law and the wording and this kind of stuff. So I'm not expecting an appeal, but I have kind of no influence on what's going to happen. "But I can say from the processes that I went through and how they treated me from the beginning, that it seemed fair for me," she said. "I managed to give the source (of the contamination) pretty quickly. That's why the case closed, pretty quickly." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World number two Iga Swiatek not expecting WADA appeal over doping scandal

Romania's Simona Halep on Friday rounded on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for discrepancies in the treatment of world number two Iga Swiatek after testing positive for a banned substance.

The ITIA announced a one-month ban on Thursday for Swiatek after the 23-year-old had tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, when the Polish player was ranked number one in the world.

Halep, now 33, returned to tennis in March this year after her own career had been on hold since October 7, 2022, the date of the start of her provisional suspension after testing positive for roxadustat at the US Open.

The winner of the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon singles titles was then caught up in a second affair, this time "irregularities" in the data of her biological passport.

She was handed a four-year ban by the&nbsp;ITIA, but Halep successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in February, arguing her positive test for roxadustat -- used to treat anaemia and banned as a blood doping agent -- was the result of a tainted supplement.

"I wonder why there is such a difference in treatment and judgment? I don't find and I don't think there can be a logical answer," Halep said in a long message posted in Romanian on her Instagram account.

"It can only be bad will on the part of the ITIA, the organisation that did everything to destroy me despite the evidence. It wanted at all costs to destroy the last years of my career."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-rahul-should-bat-at-no-3-if-rohit-sharma-wants-to-open-in-adelaide-test-feels-pujara-780121">BGT 2024/25: Rahul should bat at No. 3 if Rohit Sharma wants to open in Adelaide Test, feels Pujara</a>

Halep, now sitting 877th in the world rankings, added: "I suffered, I suffer and I will perhaps always suffer from the injustice that was done to me.

"How is it possible that in identical cases taking place at roughly the same time, the ITIA has completely different approaches, to my detriment?

"I lost two years of my career, I suffered many sleepless nights, thoughts, anxiety, unanswered questions... but I got justice. It turned out that it was a contamination and that (the anomaly in my) biological passport was pure invention."

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Romania's Simona Halep on Friday rounded on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for discrepancies in the treatment of world number two Iga Swiatek after testing positive for a banned substance.

Romania's Simona Halep on Friday rounded on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for discrepancies in the treatment of world number two Iga Swiatek after testing positive for a banned substance. The ITIA announced a one-month ban on Thursday for Swiatek after the 23-year-old had tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, when the Polish player was ranked number one in the world. Halep, now 33, returned to tennis in March this year after her own career had been on hold since October 7, 2022, the date of the start of her provisional suspension after testing positive for roxadustat at the US Open. The winner of the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon singles titles was then caught up in a second affair, this time "irregularities" in the data of her biological passport. She was handed a four-year ban by the ITIA, but Halep successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in February, arguing her positive test for roxadustat -- used to treat anaemia and banned as a blood doping agent -- was the result of a tainted supplement. "I wonder why there is such a difference in treatment and judgment? I don't find and I don't think there can be a logical answer," Halep said in a long message posted in Romanian on her Instagram account. "It can only be bad will on the part of the ITIA, the organisation that did everything to destroy me despite the evidence. It wanted at all costs to destroy the last years of my career." ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Rahul should bat at No. 3 if Rohit Sharma wants to open in Adelaide Test, feels Pujara Halep, now sitting 877th in the world rankings, added: "I suffered, I suffer and I will perhaps always suffer from the injustice that was done to me. "How is it possible that in identical cases taking place at roughly the same time, the ITIA has completely different approaches, to my detriment? "I lost two years of my career, I suffered many sleepless nights, thoughts, anxiety, unanswered questions... but I got justice. It turned out that it was a contamination and that (the anomaly in my) biological passport was pure invention." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Simona Halep rounds on tennis doping body for Iga Swiatek leniency

French Open champion Iga Swiatek escaped with a one-month suspension for a positive doping test after convincing the International Tennis Integrity Agency that it had not been intentional, the ITIA announced on Thursday.&nbsp;

Poland's Swiatek, 23, tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024.

The ITIA, however, accepted that it was caused by "the contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication (melatonin), manufactured and sold in Poland that the player had been taking for jet lag and sleep issues".

"The violation was therefore not intentional... the player's level of fault was considered to be at the lowest end of the range for 'No Significant Fault or Negligence'."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-couldve-a-big-series-former-india-coach-rahul-dravid-issues-stern-warning-to-australia-779828">BGT: 'Virat Kohli could've a big series,' Former India coach Rahul Dravid issues stern warning to Australia</a>

Swiatek, who has five Grand Slam titles to her name, accepted the month's suspension.

She was provisionally suspended from September 22 until October 4, missing three tournaments, which counts towards the sanction, leaving eight days remaining.&nbsp;

She will also forfeit prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test, where she lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final.&nbsp;

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French Open champion Iga Swiatek escaped with a one-month suspension for a positive doping test after convincing the International Tennis Integrity Agency that it had not been intentional, the ITIA announced on Thursday.

French Open champion Iga Swiatek escaped with a one-month suspension for a positive doping test after convincing the International Tennis Integrity Agency that it had not been intentional, the ITIA announced on Thursday. Poland's Swiatek, 23, tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024. The ITIA, however, accepted that it was caused by "the contamination of a regulated non-prescription medication (melatonin), manufactured and sold in Poland that the player had been taking for jet lag and sleep issues". "The violation was therefore not intentional... the player's level of fault was considered to be at the lowest end of the range for 'No Significant Fault or Negligence'." ALSO READ | BGT: 'Virat Kohli could've a big series,' Former India coach Rahul Dravid issues stern warning to Australia Swiatek, who has five Grand Slam titles to her name, accepted the month's suspension. She was provisionally suspended from September 22 until October 4, missing three tournaments, which counts towards the sanction, leaving eight days remaining. She will also forfeit prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test, where she lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

French Open champion Iga Swiatek accepts one-month doping suspension

Italy reached a second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Iga Swiatek's Poland on Monday in Malaga.

Swiatek came from a set down to beat Jasmine Paolini in her singles rubber but the Italian earned immediate revenge over the five-time Grand Slam winner in the deciding doubles clash.

Paolini and veteran Sara Errani overcame Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa 7-5, 7-5 to send the four-time champions through to Wednesday's final.

Great Britain face Slovakia in the second semi-final on Tuesday.

In the opening singles rubber, Italy's Lucia Bronzetti beat Magda Linette 6-4, 7-6 (7/3).

That was followed by Swiatek's battle with Paolini, which ran over two-and-a-half hours and saw the Pole win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

"It was tough today... the intensity was insane, I was a little bit tired but I said to myself, you still have to play the doubles, you have to give everything for Italy, for my team," said Paolini.

"When I lost the (singles) match I was a little bit sad, but then tried to go in the locker room and think positive about the doubles."

Poland were in the semi-finals for the first time but came undone just when it seemed they had done enough for a tie-break, losing the last six games of the final set in the doubles.

"Honestly I don't think I've ever been so tired," said Swiatek.

Linette, the world number 38, was largely outclassed by Bronzetti, ranked 78th, in the first singles rubber.

At 4-1 down in the second set, Linette battled back strongly to force a tie-break but was eventually beaten when she slapped a return into the net after saving one match point.

It left the pressure on Swiatek to deliver, which she did in thrilling fashion.

Beaten every time in their three prior clashes and having never managed to take a set off Swiatek, Paolini battled with fierce determination from the outset.

Swiatek crushed the world number four in straight sets in the French Open final earlier this year but found a vastly tougher opponent in Malaga.

The Pole saved two break points to hold at 2-2 and then broke with a fizzing forehand to take the lead.

It did not deter Paolini, who doubled down and won the next four games, securing two breaks of her own, to claim the first set.

Swiatek spurned three break points in the final game and showed signs of tiredness after helping Poland reach the semi-finals by winning both her singles match and a doubles rubber against the Czech Republic.

Paolini had done the same for last year's runners-up Italy against Japan but dug deep to keep Swiatek at bay until the 10th and final game of the second set, which the Pole won to force a third.

After the players exchanged breaks in the decider, Swiatek eventually triumphed when Paolini went long.

Swiatek won 13 of the 16 break points she faced, proving the stronger in the key moments.

"For sure it was tough, my energy level was down in the second set but I managed to get back and that was the most important thing," said Swiatek, explaining she had "no time to celebrate" as the job was not done yet.

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<h2>Found the way</h2>

In the first set of the doubles decider, the teams stayed on serve until Italy's combination of Errani and Paolini broke for a 6-5 lead and then held to claim the set.

Swiatek and Kawa responded strongly, opening up a 5-1 lead in the second set before suffering a collapse.

The relentless Italians fought back in stunning fashion by winning six games straight, sealing the victory when Swiatek overhit a forehand.

"It was not easy, it was a really long day, I didn't start the doubles that well... but then I found the way, I think we played a really good match," said Errani.

The 37-year-old served for the last point of the match underarm, a habitual move of hers.

"I did it many times this year, (when there's) tension it's a good combination sometimes to do it," she added.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Italy reached a second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Iga Swiatek's Poland on Monday in Malaga. Swiatek came from a set down to beat Jasmine Paolini in her singles rubber but the Italian earned immediate revenge over the five-time Grand Slam winner in the deciding doubles clash.

Italy reached a second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Iga Swiatek's Poland on Monday in Malaga. Swiatek came from a set down to beat Jasmine Paolini in her singles rubber but the Italian earned immediate revenge over the five-time Grand Slam winner in the deciding doubles clash. Paolini and veteran Sara Errani overcame Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa 7-5, 7-5 to send the four-time champions through to Wednesday's final. Great Britain face Slovakia in the second semi-final on Tuesday. In the opening singles rubber, Italy's Lucia Bronzetti beat Magda Linette 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). That was followed by Swiatek's battle with Paolini, which ran over two-and-a-half hours and saw the Pole win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. "It was tough today... the intensity was insane, I was a little bit tired but I said to myself, you still have to play the doubles, you have to give everything for Italy, for my team," said Paolini. "When I lost the (singles) match I was a little bit sad, but then tried to go in the locker room and think positive about the doubles." Poland were in the semi-finals for the first time but came undone just when it seemed they had done enough for a tie-break, losing the last six games of the final set in the doubles. "Honestly I don't think I've ever been so tired," said Swiatek. Linette, the world number 38, was largely outclassed by Bronzetti, ranked 78th, in the first singles rubber. At 4-1 down in the second set, Linette battled back strongly to force a tie-break but was eventually beaten when she slapped a return into the net after saving one match point. It left the pressure on Swiatek to deliver, which she did in thrilling fashion. Beaten every time in their three prior clashes and having never managed to take a set off Swiatek, Paolini battled with fierce determination from the outset. Swiatek crushed the world number four in straight sets in the French Open final earlier this year but found a vastly tougher opponent in Malaga. The Pole saved two break points to hold at 2-2 and then broke with a fizzing forehand to take the lead. It did not deter Paolini, who doubled down and won the next four games, securing two breaks of her own, to claim the first set. Swiatek spurned three break points in the final game and showed signs of tiredness after helping Poland reach the semi-finals by winning both her singles match and a doubles rubber against the Czech Republic. Paolini had done the same for last year's runners-up Italy against Japan but dug deep to keep Swiatek at bay until the 10th and final game of the second set, which the Pole won to force a third. After the players exchanged breaks in the decider, Swiatek eventually triumphed when Paolini went long. Swiatek won 13 of the 16 break points she faced, proving the stronger in the key moments. "For sure it was tough, my energy level was down in the second set but I managed to get back and that was the most important thing," said Swiatek, explaining she had "no time to celebrate" as the job was not done yet. ALSO READ | BGT 2024-25: Ravi Shastri wants India batters to 'think about' last Australia tour's performance in Perth Found the way In the first set of the doubles decider, the teams stayed on serve until Italy's combination of Errani and Paolini broke for a 6-5 lead and then held to claim the set. Swiatek and Kawa responded strongly, opening up a 5-1 lead in the second set before suffering a collapse. The relentless Italians fought back in stunning fashion by winning six games straight, sealing the victory when Swiatek overhit a forehand. "It was not easy, it was a really long day, I didn't start the doubles that well... but then I found the way, I think we played a really good match," said Errani. The 37-year-old served for the last point of the match underarm, a habitual move of hers. "I did it many times this year, (when there's) tension it's a good combination sometimes to do it," she added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Billie Jean King Cup: Italy beat Iga Swiatek's Poland to reach final

The start of the Billie Jean King Cup finals on Wednesday in Malaga was postponed after a weather warning in the wake of recent devastating floods in Spain. Hosts Spain were due to face world number two Iga Swiatek's Poland in the afternoon but organisers pushed the tie back to Friday morning "due to a severe weather alert issued by local and regional authorities".

"This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees," said the International Tennis Federation in a statement.

Spain is braced for new storms after terrible flooding in the Valencia region at the end of October. The country's meteorological agency AEMET has placed parts of the Andalucia, Valencia and Catalonia regions on orange alert -- the second highest level -- until Thursday.

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The Billie Jean King and Davis Cups, billed as the World Cup of women's and men's tennis respectively, are both being held in Malaga this month, with Spanish superstar Rafa Nadal playing in his last competition before he retires.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The start of the Billie Jean King Cup finals on Wednesday in Malaga was postponed after a weather warning in the wake of recent devastating floods in Spain. Hosts Spain were due to face world number two Iga Swiatek's Poland in the afternoon but organisers pushed the tie back to Friday morning "due to a severe weather alert issued by local and regional authorities".

The start of the Billie Jean King Cup finals on Wednesday in Malaga was postponed after a weather warning in the wake of recent devastating floods in Spain. Hosts Spain were due to face world number two Iga Swiatek's Poland in the afternoon but organisers pushed the tie back to Friday morning "due to a severe weather alert issued by local and regional authorities". "This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees," said the International Tennis Federation in a statement. Spain is braced for new storms after terrible flooding in the Valencia region at the end of October. The country's meteorological agency AEMET has placed parts of the Andalucia, Valencia and Catalonia regions on orange alert -- the second highest level -- until Thursday. Also read: Stephen Curry dazzles on Klay Thompson's return as Golden State Warriors beat Dallas Mavericks The Billie Jean King and Davis Cups, billed as the World Cup of women's and men's tennis respectively, are both being held in Malaga this month, with Spanish superstar Rafa Nadal playing in his last competition before he retires. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

No. 2 ranked Iga Swiatek's BJK Cup opener postponed after weather alert

Jessica Pegula became the fourth American to reach this year's US Open semi-finals on Wednesday by stunning world number one Iga Swiatek as Jack Draper broke through to his first Grand Slam last-four. Pegula swept past 2022 champion and four-time French Open winner Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 to reach a maiden semi-final at the majors after falling in six quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old will next face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic. If she gets through that she would set-up an all-American title match should Emma Navarro stun world number two Aryna Sabalenka in Thursday's other semi-final.

Draper, meanwhile, became the first British man to make the last four since Andy Murray won the title 12 years ago by beating Alex de Minaur of Australia 6-3, 7-5, 6-2. The 25th seed will tackle either world number one Jannik Sinner or 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev for a place in Sunday's championship showdown.

Pegula has now won 14 times in 15 matches on US hard courts this summer. "Finally I can say I'm a semi-finalist. I lost so many of these damn things," said the American after her fourth career win against Swiatek. "Thanks to the crowd. I sent over a 65mph second serve (on a third match point) because I was so tight.

- 'Rode momentum' -

"I did everything I could to not get frustrated. I took advantage of some things she was not doing so well and just rode that momentum." Swiatek was undone by 41 unforced errors.

Draper pulled off victory over 10th-ranked De Minaur despite taking a medical timeout early in the second set to have his right thigh bandaged. "It's amazing. My first time on Arthur Ashe Stadium, it means the world to me," said Draper, who had lost three times in three meetings with De Minaur before Wednesday. "I played a solid match and I feel the best fitness-wise that I have felt in a long time."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-frances-tiafoe-sets-up-all-american-us-open-semifinal-sets-up-clash-with-taylor-fritz-755724">Frances Tiafoe sets up all-American US Open semifinal, sets up clash with Taylor Fritz</a>

Draper has made the semi-finals without dropping a set as he continued an impressive summer run which saw him capture his first ATP title in Stuttgart and then defeat Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon.

On Wednesday, he sent down 11 aces in his 40 winners while forcing De Minaur to fend off 14 of 20 break points. The British player enjoys a 1-0 lead over Sinner in the pair's head-to-head although that win at Queen's came three years ago. He lost to Medvedev on clay in Rome earlier this year.

Sinner is the only top-four player left in the men's draw following the exits of Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. However, he is yet to reach the last four in New York and faces a test of his credentials against fifth-ranked Medvedev.

Sinner defeated Medvedev from two sets down to win his first major at the Australian Open in January before the mercurial Russian avenged that loss at Wimbledon. "I will try to think more about Wimbledon than the Australian Open," said Medvedev, also the 2019 and 2023 runner-up at the US Open.

With Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz already lined up for an all-American men's semi-final on Friday, and Navarro and Pegula safely into the women's last four, home fans are dreaming of a title sweep this weekend.

- Muchova back in semi-final -

Andy Roddick was the last US man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy in New York in 2003 while Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens and Coco Gauff have triumphed in the women's tournament in the last decade. Muchova's 6-1, 6-4 win over Beatriz Haddad Maia came despite having to sprint to the bathroom early in the second set, a dash which caught everyone on the hop. "I had a problem that I wouldn't like to comment on," said the 28-year-old. "Sorry if I disturbed anybody but I really didn't have any other choice."

After losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff in the 2023 semi-finals, Muchova suffered a serious wrist injury which sidelined her until June this year. A former world number eight, now ranked at 52, Muchova has yet to drop a set, knocking out two-time champion Naomi Osaka and this year's French Open and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

Jessica Pegula became the fourth American to reach this year's US Open semi-finals on Wednesday by stunning world number one Iga Swiatek as Jack Draper broke through to his first Grand Slam last-four.

Jessica Pegula became the fourth American to reach this year's US Open semi-finals on Wednesday by stunning world number one Iga Swiatek as Jack Draper broke through to his first Grand Slam last-four. Pegula swept past 2022 champion and four-time French Open winner Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 to reach a maiden semi-final at the majors after falling in six quarter-finals. The 30-year-old will next face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic. If she gets through that she would set-up an all-American title match should Emma Navarro stun world number two Aryna Sabalenka in Thursday's other semi-final. Draper, meanwhile, became the first British man to make the last four since Andy Murray won the title 12 years ago by beating Alex de Minaur of Australia 6-3, 7-5, 6-2. The 25th seed will tackle either world number one Jannik Sinner or 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev for a place in Sunday's championship showdown. Pegula has now won 14 times in 15 matches on US hard courts this summer. "Finally I can say I'm a semi-finalist. I lost so many of these damn things," said the American after her fourth career win against Swiatek. "Thanks to the crowd. I sent over a 65mph second serve (on a third match point) because I was so tight. - 'Rode momentum' - "I did everything I could to not get frustrated. I took advantage of some things she was not doing so well and just rode that momentum." Swiatek was undone by 41 unforced errors. Draper pulled off victory over 10th-ranked De Minaur despite taking a medical timeout early in the second set to have his right thigh bandaged. "It's amazing. My first time on Arthur Ashe Stadium, it means the world to me," said Draper, who had lost three times in three meetings with De Minaur before Wednesday. "I played a solid match and I feel the best fitness-wise that I have felt in a long time." Also read: Frances Tiafoe sets up all-American US Open semifinal, sets up clash with Taylor Fritz Draper has made the semi-finals without dropping a set as he continued an impressive summer run which saw him capture his first ATP title in Stuttgart and then defeat Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon. On Wednesday, he sent down 11 aces in his 40 winners while forcing De Minaur to fend off 14 of 20 break points. The British player enjoys a 1-0 lead over Sinner in the pair's head-to-head although that win at Queen's came three years ago. He lost to Medvedev on clay in Rome earlier this year. Sinner is the only top-four player left in the men's draw following the exits of Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. However, he is yet to reach the last four in New York and faces a test of his credentials against fifth-ranked Medvedev. Sinner defeated Medvedev from two sets down to win his first major at the Australian Open in January before the mercurial Russian avenged that loss at Wimbledon. "I will try to think more about Wimbledon than the Australian Open," said Medvedev, also the 2019 and 2023 runner-up at the US Open. With Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz already lined up for an all-American men's semi-final on Friday, and Navarro and Pegula safely into the women's last four, home fans are dreaming of a title sweep this weekend. - Muchova back in semi-final - Andy Roddick was the last US man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy in New York in 2003 while Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens and Coco Gauff have triumphed in the women's tournament in the last decade. Muchova's 6-1, 6-4 win over Beatriz Haddad Maia came despite having to sprint to the bathroom early in the second set, a dash which caught everyone on the hop. "I had a problem that I wouldn't like to comment on," said the 28-year-old. "Sorry if I disturbed anybody but I really didn't have any other choice." After losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff in the 2023 semi-finals, Muchova suffered a serious wrist injury which sidelined her until June this year. A former world number eight, now ranked at 52, Muchova has yet to drop a set, knocking out two-time champion Naomi Osaka and this year's French Open and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

Jessica Pegula stuns Iga Swiatek at US Open to enter semis, Jack Draper in last-four

World number one Iga Swiatek reached her second US Open quarter-final on Monday with a straight sets win over Liudmila Samonsova to stay on course for a sixth Grand Slam title.

Swiatek defeated her 16th-ranked Russian rival 6-4, 6-1, reeling off eight of the last nine games, and will take on American sixth seed Jessica Pegula for a place in the semi-finals.

Four-time French Open champion Swiatek won the US Open in 2022, beating Pegula on the way in a one-sided last-eight tie.

Pegula made the quarter-finals earlier Monday with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia's Diana Shnaider.

<h2>Medvedev in QF</h2>

Daniil Medvedev set-up a potential US Open quarter-final showdown with world number one Jannik Sinner on Monday as both men looked to exploit the huge hole left by the shock exits of superstar duo Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

Medvedev, the 2021 champion in New York, outclassed Nuno Borges, who was bidding to become the first Portuguese man to make a Grand Slam quarter-final, 6-0, 6-1, 6-3.

Top seed Sinner, who won his maiden Slam at the Australian Open this year, takes on Tommy Paul in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

French Open champion and women's world number one Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, stayed on course for a sixth Grand Slam title with a straight sets win over Russia's Liudmila Samsonova.

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Medvedev, the only former champion left after the defeats of four-time winner Djokovic and 2022 champion Alcaraz, is in the quarter-finals for the fifth time in six years.

The world number five easily downed 34th-ranked Borges whose challenge fizzled out under the weight of 51 unforced errors while Medvedev broke serve eight times.

"I played Tommy twice this season. I beat him once but I feel as if he should have beaten me both times," said Medvedev who was also runner-up in 2019 and last year.

"I've had unbelievable battles with Jannik. It will be very physical for both of us."

World number one Iga Swiatek reached her second US Open quarter-final on Monday with a straight sets win over Liudmila Samonsova to stay on course for a sixth Grand Slam title.

World number one Iga Swiatek reached her second US Open quarter-final on Monday with a straight sets win over Liudmila Samonsova to stay on course for a sixth Grand Slam title. Swiatek defeated her 16th-ranked Russian rival 6-4, 6-1, reeling off eight of the last nine games, and will take on American sixth seed Jessica Pegula for a place in the semi-finals. Four-time French Open champion Swiatek won the US Open in 2022, beating Pegula on the way in a one-sided last-eight tie. Pegula made the quarter-finals earlier Monday with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia's Diana Shnaider. Medvedev in QF Daniil Medvedev set-up a potential US Open quarter-final showdown with world number one Jannik Sinner on Monday as both men looked to exploit the huge hole left by the shock exits of superstar duo Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Medvedev, the 2021 champion in New York, outclassed Nuno Borges, who was bidding to become the first Portuguese man to make a Grand Slam quarter-final, 6-0, 6-1, 6-3. Top seed Sinner, who won his maiden Slam at the Australian Open this year, takes on Tommy Paul in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium. French Open champion and women's world number one Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, stayed on course for a sixth Grand Slam title with a straight sets win over Russia's Liudmila Samsonova. ALSO READ | PAK vs BAN: 'We've already lost...,' Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie on second Test against Bangladesh Medvedev, the only former champion left after the defeats of four-time winner Djokovic and 2022 champion Alcaraz, is in the quarter-finals for the fifth time in six years. The world number five easily downed 34th-ranked Borges whose challenge fizzled out under the weight of 51 unforced errors while Medvedev broke serve eight times. "I played Tommy twice this season. I beat him once but I feel as if he should have beaten me both times," said Medvedev who was also runner-up in 2019 and last year. "I've had unbelievable battles with Jannik. It will be very physical for both of us."

US Open: World number one Iga Swiatek beats Liudmila Samonsova to reach quarters

Jannik Sinner avoided plunging through the US Open trapdoor which claimed Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz when he stormed into the last 16 on Saturday as fellow world number one Iga Swiatek stayed on course for a second New York triumph.

Australian Open champion Sinner raced past 87th-ranked Christopher O'Connell 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.

The 23-year-old Italian's win came a day after four-time champion Djokovic was sent spinning to his earliest loss in New York in 18 years by Alexei Popyrin.

One day earlier, 2022 winner Alcaraz was defeated in the second round by Dutch journeyman Botic van de Zandschulp.

"Today was great match. I knew I had to play very solid. My serve worked well so I am happy with my performance," said Sinner after firing 15 aces in his 46 winners past outclassed O'Connell of Australia.

Sinner did not face a single break point in his one-hour 53-minute victory which took him into the last 16 for a fourth successive year.

"There have been some upsets in the tournament so let's see what's coming. I'm happy to still be here and play as many matches as possible," added Sinner whose comfortable afternoon on Arthur Ashe Stadium saw tennis legend Serena Williams amongst the spectators.

Sinner will take on 14th seed Tommy Paul for a quarter-final place after the American defeated Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo in four sets.

There were 14 breaks of serve in that tie with Diallo, ranked a lowly 143 in the world, undone by 77 unforced errors.

Four-time French Open champion Swiatek was equally dominant as Sinner as the top-seeded Pole eased into the fourth round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

The 23-year-old didn't face a single break point and will face another Russian, Liudmila Samsonova for a quarter-final place.

"I like the night sessions but it's noisy so I need to focus on my job and stay inside my bubble," said Swiatek who shot a long hard stare at her opponent when a ball was speared towards her early in the second set.

"Anastasia is really powerful, she serves fast so I needed to use my intuition of where the ball was going."

With Djokovic and Alcaraz heading home to Europe, Daniil Medvedev finds himself as the only former champion left in the men's tournament.

The eccentric Russian, seeded five, faces Flavio Cobolli, the world number 31 from Italy.

Medvedev famously shattered Djokovic's bid for a rare calendar Grand Slam when he captured the 2021 title in New York.

This year he was runner-up to Sinner at the Australian Open and made the semis-finals of Wimbledon but is without a tour title since winning the Rome Masters in May last year.

If Medvedev makes the fourth round for the sixth straight year he'll face unseeded Nuno Borges of Portugal who saved three match points in a five-set triumph over Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.

Britain's Jack Draper reached the last 16 for a second successive year by defeating Alcaraz's conqueror Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

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<h2>I'm a fan</h2>

Meanwhile, 2023 semi-finalist Karolina Muchova, who knocked out two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the second round, cruised into the last 16 by beating Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2.

She next faces French Open and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini, the fifth-seeded Italian, who beat Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-4.

Paolini has now made the fourth round of all four Slams this year having previously never got beyond the second round in 16 attempts.

"I'm a fan of her (Muchova). I really love how she plays. She can play every shot, slice, volleys, serve and volleys. She's a very complete player," said Paolini.

US sixth seed Jessica Pegula made the second week for a third successive season by defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 6-3.

Pegula next faces Diana Shnaider, the 18th-seeded Russian who made the fourth round of a Slam for the first time by seeing off 37-year-old Sara Errani in straight sets.

Czech Republic's Tomas Machac, ranked 39, also reached the fourth round of a major for the first time by defeating Belgian veteran David Goffin 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.

He will take on Draper for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Jannik Sinner avoided plunging through the US Open trapdoor which claimed Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz when he stormed into the last 16 on Saturday as fellow world number one Iga Swiatek stayed on course for a second New York triumph.

Jannik Sinner avoided plunging through the US Open trapdoor which claimed Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz when he stormed into the last 16 on Saturday as fellow world number one Iga Swiatek stayed on course for a second New York triumph. Australian Open champion Sinner raced past 87th-ranked Christopher O'Connell 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. The 23-year-old Italian's win came a day after four-time champion Djokovic was sent spinning to his earliest loss in New York in 18 years by Alexei Popyrin. One day earlier, 2022 winner Alcaraz was defeated in the second round by Dutch journeyman Botic van de Zandschulp. "Today was great match. I knew I had to play very solid. My serve worked well so I am happy with my performance," said Sinner after firing 15 aces in his 46 winners past outclassed O'Connell of Australia. Sinner did not face a single break point in his one-hour 53-minute victory which took him into the last 16 for a fourth successive year. "There have been some upsets in the tournament so let's see what's coming. I'm happy to still be here and play as many matches as possible," added Sinner whose comfortable afternoon on Arthur Ashe Stadium saw tennis legend Serena Williams amongst the spectators. Sinner will take on 14th seed Tommy Paul for a quarter-final place after the American defeated Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo in four sets. There were 14 breaks of serve in that tie with Diallo, ranked a lowly 143 in the world, undone by 77 unforced errors. Four-time French Open champion Swiatek was equally dominant as Sinner as the top-seeded Pole eased into the fourth round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The 23-year-old didn't face a single break point and will face another Russian, Liudmila Samsonova for a quarter-final place. "I like the night sessions but it's noisy so I need to focus on my job and stay inside my bubble," said Swiatek who shot a long hard stare at her opponent when a ball was speared towards her early in the second set. "Anastasia is really powerful, she serves fast so I needed to use my intuition of where the ball was going." With Djokovic and Alcaraz heading home to Europe, Daniil Medvedev finds himself as the only former champion left in the men's tournament. The eccentric Russian, seeded five, faces Flavio Cobolli, the world number 31 from Italy. Medvedev famously shattered Djokovic's bid for a rare calendar Grand Slam when he captured the 2021 title in New York. This year he was runner-up to Sinner at the Australian Open and made the semis-finals of Wimbledon but is without a tour title since winning the Rome Masters in May last year. If Medvedev makes the fourth round for the sixth straight year he'll face unseeded Nuno Borges of Portugal who saved three match points in a five-set triumph over Czech teenager Jakub Mensik. Britain's Jack Draper reached the last 16 for a second successive year by defeating Alcaraz's conqueror Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. ALSO READ | ENG vs SL, 2nd Test: Joe Root goes past Alastair Cook for most Test hundreds for England I'm a fan Meanwhile, 2023 semi-finalist Karolina Muchova, who knocked out two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the second round, cruised into the last 16 by beating Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2. She next faces French Open and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini, the fifth-seeded Italian, who beat Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-4. Paolini has now made the fourth round of all four Slams this year having previously never got beyond the second round in 16 attempts. "I'm a fan of her (Muchova). I really love how she plays. She can play every shot, slice, volleys, serve and volleys. She's a very complete player," said Paolini. US sixth seed Jessica Pegula made the second week for a third successive season by defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 6-3. Pegula next faces Diana Shnaider, the 18th-seeded Russian who made the fourth round of a Slam for the first time by seeing off 37-year-old Sara Errani in straight sets. Czech Republic's Tomas Machac, ranked 39, also reached the fourth round of a major for the first time by defeating Belgian veteran David Goffin 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. He will take on Draper for a spot in the quarter-finals.

US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner avoids trapdoor as Iga Swiatek moves into last 16

American Coco Gauff begins her U.S. Open title defence on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, headlining a wide-open women's field that includes world number one Iga Swiatek and last year's runner-up Aryna Sabalenka.

Gauff plays France's Varvara Gracheva in the opening round and hopes to put a series of frustrating performances behind her - including early exits from Toronto and Cincinnati - to recapture the magic of her run to a maiden major title.

"I feel like it was a blessing in disguise I lost so early (in Cincinnati), because I was able to actually train, which I hadn't been able to," said Gauff, who competed in the Paris Games. "I do my best results when I come off a training block. I was able to train for a good week and a half and obviously still have a couple more days to do that."

Gauff could meet Sabalenka in the semi-finals, with the Belarusian hungry for the trophy after coming close but never quite getting the title within her grasp.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-world-no1-jannik-sinner-parts-ways-with-umberto-ferrara-ahead-of-the-us-open-2024-752833">World No.1 Jannik Sinner parts ways with Umberto Ferrara ahead of the US Open 2024</a>

She reached at least the semi-final stage of the tournament over the last three years and has learned lessons from tough defeats in New York.

"Those tough losses definitely motivated me a lot to hard work and to improve things which didn't work in the previous years," said Sabalenka.

After retaining her title in Australia, Sabalenka endured a rough mid-year stretch as she suffered a back injury and skipped Wimbledon with a shoulder injury.

She arrived in New York confident and fit, however, after skipping the Olympics to focus on her health and winning the Cincinnati tune-up tournament.

"I was really happy with the level I played. It's not like it's weight out of my shoulder. It just little, like, happy moment before going to the U.S. Open," said Sabalenka, who closes out Monday night's programme at Louis Armstrong Stadium against Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon.

Poland's Swiatek hopes to add another title to a memorable year, after she picked up her fifth major at the French Open and won in Qatar, Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome, as well.

She picked up bronze at the Paris Games and admitted that it has taken some adjustment going from the clay courts of Roland Garros to the hard courts of North America, as she lost to Sabalenka in the Cincinnati semi-final.

"It's been a really intense season, and after the Olympics, it hasn't been kind of, you know, easy. So I feel the best when I'm just focused on practising and grinding on the court," the 2022 winner told reporters.

"I'm just going to try to keep that mindset and that attitude."

She opens her campaign against lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova on Tuesday on Ashe.

Contenders lurk around every corner in New York, as a gruelling year has left the title vulnerable for those hoping to capture a maiden major title.

Italian Jasmine Paolini made a name for herself as a runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, while China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen is ready to make an impact after reaching her first major final in Australia.

"I don't want to let myself slip again. I really want to improve one more time in my mental side," said Zheng. "If I'm able to do that, I think I will really break through some wall that I have for myself."

The U.S. Open begins on Monday.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

American Coco Gauff begins her U.S. Open title defence on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, headlining a wide-open women's field that includes world number one Iga Swiatek and last year's runner-up Aryna Sabalenka.

American Coco Gauff begins her U.S. Open title defence on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, headlining a wide-open women's field that includes world number one Iga Swiatek and last year's runner-up Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff plays France's Varvara Gracheva in the opening round and hopes to put a series of frustrating performances behind her - including early exits from Toronto and Cincinnati - to recapture the magic of her run to a maiden major title. "I feel like it was a blessing in disguise I lost so early (in Cincinnati), because I was able to actually train, which I hadn't been able to," said Gauff, who competed in the Paris Games. "I do my best results when I come off a training block. I was able to train for a good week and a half and obviously still have a couple more days to do that." Gauff could meet Sabalenka in the semi-finals, with the Belarusian hungry for the trophy after coming close but never quite getting the title within her grasp. ALSO READ: World No.1 Jannik Sinner parts ways with Umberto Ferrara ahead of the US Open 2024 She reached at least the semi-final stage of the tournament over the last three years and has learned lessons from tough defeats in New York. "Those tough losses definitely motivated me a lot to hard work and to improve things which didn't work in the previous years," said Sabalenka. After retaining her title in Australia, Sabalenka endured a rough mid-year stretch as she suffered a back injury and skipped Wimbledon with a shoulder injury. She arrived in New York confident and fit, however, after skipping the Olympics to focus on her health and winning the Cincinnati tune-up tournament. "I was really happy with the level I played. It's not like it's weight out of my shoulder. It just little, like, happy moment before going to the U.S. Open," said Sabalenka, who closes out Monday night's programme at Louis Armstrong Stadium against Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon. Poland's Swiatek hopes to add another title to a memorable year, after she picked up her fifth major at the French Open and won in Qatar, Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome, as well. She picked up bronze at the Paris Games and admitted that it has taken some adjustment going from the clay courts of Roland Garros to the hard courts of North America, as she lost to Sabalenka in the Cincinnati semi-final. "It's been a really intense season, and after the Olympics, it hasn't been kind of, you know, easy. So I feel the best when I'm just focused on practising and grinding on the court," the 2022 winner told reporters. "I'm just going to try to keep that mindset and that attitude." She opens her campaign against lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova on Tuesday on Ashe. Contenders lurk around every corner in New York, as a gruelling year has left the title vulnerable for those hoping to capture a maiden major title. Italian Jasmine Paolini made a name for herself as a runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, while China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen is ready to make an impact after reaching her first major final in Australia. "I don't want to let myself slip again. I really want to improve one more time in my mental side," said Zheng. "If I'm able to do that, I think I will really break through some wall that I have for myself." The U.S. Open begins on Monday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis: Coco Gauff, Swiatek and Sabalenka headline tough US Open 2024 draw

Aryna Sabalenka squandered nine match points but still defeated world number one Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday, breaking through to her first final at the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open. Four-time Cincinnati semi-finalist Sabalenka will rise to second in the WTA rankings with a week to go before the start of the US Open. "I finally broke the barrier," Sabalenka said of her place in the final. "It was such a tough battle with Iga, and we also had to be patient with the weather."

Raindrops required the court lines to be dried by towels during several short interruptions. Sabalenka will play Monday's final against US sixth seed Jessica Pegula, a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 winner over Spain's Paula Badosa.

Pegula, who won last week's Toronto title, is the third American in the Open Era to reach the Canadian and Cincinnati finals in the same year after Rosie Casals (1970) and Serena Williams (2013). Sabalenka had a battle on her hands to close out her win, with Swiatek putting up a huge battle in the closing stages.

Third-ranked Sabalenka led 5-1 in the second set, but Swiatek showed why she is ranked atop the WTA table as she repeatedly saved match-winners from her opponent.

Sabalenka was broken for 5-3 but finally claimed the hard-fought victory a game later with a concluding break of Swiatek on a return winner on her 10th match point after nearly two hours. "That was a brilliant performance from me. I'm really happy with the win, especially against Iga," said Sabalenka. "We always have tough battles and get this win in straight sets... that's kind of like achievement for me."

Pegula and Badosa were hit by a rain delay of well over an hour midway through the second set with Badosa leading 4-3 and trailing a set.

They resumed with the Spaniard forcing a third set before Pegula broke for 5-3 in the third and served out victory a game later.

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"We had tough conditions, but I was able to not get frustrated with the rain delay," Pegula said. "I felt I was playing and competing well. "Paula was hitting so hard, I didn't know what to do sometimes. I had to remind myself to be aggressive and serve well. I knew it would be hard to break her. "But I played a couple of good points and was able to serve it out."

Pegula said she expects to give Sabalenka "some trouble" in the final. "It will be a good test to go up against her," Pegula said. "I'll do my best. It has been a long couple of weeks."

- Swiatek 'wasn't good' -

Sabalenka's victory served as revenge after losing to Swiatek in Masters-level clay finals at Madrid and Rome last spring. "Aryna was just playing better today and using her advantages," Swiatek said. "I didn't serve well at the beginning, which threw me off my rhythm. For sure, it wasn't a good performance for me."

Swiatek said she played overall better than she expected, adding, "I'm happy with the result anyway. I'm already kind of focusing on what I need to do to feel even better in New York. And we'll work on stuff for sure."

Aryna Sabalenka squandered nine match points but still defeated world number one Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday, breaking through to her first final at the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open.

Aryna Sabalenka squandered nine match points but still defeated world number one Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday, breaking through to her first final at the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open. Four-time Cincinnati semi-finalist Sabalenka will rise to second in the WTA rankings with a week to go before the start of the US Open. "I finally broke the barrier," Sabalenka said of her place in the final. "It was such a tough battle with Iga, and we also had to be patient with the weather." Raindrops required the court lines to be dried by towels during several short interruptions. Sabalenka will play Monday's final against US sixth seed Jessica Pegula, a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 winner over Spain's Paula Badosa. Pegula, who won last week's Toronto title, is the third American in the Open Era to reach the Canadian and Cincinnati finals in the same year after Rosie Casals (1970) and Serena Williams (2013). Sabalenka had a battle on her hands to close out her win, with Swiatek putting up a huge battle in the closing stages. Third-ranked Sabalenka led 5-1 in the second set, but Swiatek showed why she is ranked atop the WTA table as she repeatedly saved match-winners from her opponent. Sabalenka was broken for 5-3 but finally claimed the hard-fought victory a game later with a concluding break of Swiatek on a return winner on her 10th match point after nearly two hours. "That was a brilliant performance from me. I'm really happy with the win, especially against Iga," said Sabalenka. "We always have tough battles and get this win in straight sets... that's kind of like achievement for me." Pegula and Badosa were hit by a rain delay of well over an hour midway through the second set with Badosa leading 4-3 and trailing a set. They resumed with the Spaniard forcing a third set before Pegula broke for 5-3 in the third and served out victory a game later. Also read: Brooks Koepka beats Jon Rahm in playoff to clinch LIV Golf Greenbrier title "We had tough conditions, but I was able to not get frustrated with the rain delay," Pegula said. "I felt I was playing and competing well. "Paula was hitting so hard, I didn't know what to do sometimes. I had to remind myself to be aggressive and serve well. I knew it would be hard to break her. "But I played a couple of good points and was able to serve it out." Pegula said she expects to give Sabalenka "some trouble" in the final. "It will be a good test to go up against her," Pegula said. "I'll do my best. It has been a long couple of weeks." - Swiatek 'wasn't good' - Sabalenka's victory served as revenge after losing to Swiatek in Masters-level clay finals at Madrid and Rome last spring. "Aryna was just playing better today and using her advantages," Swiatek said. "I didn't serve well at the beginning, which threw me off my rhythm. For sure, it wasn't a good performance for me." Swiatek said she played overall better than she expected, adding, "I'm happy with the result anyway. I'm already kind of focusing on what I need to do to feel even better in New York. And we'll work on stuff for sure."

Aryna Sabalenka ousts No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek to enter Cincinnati final, faces Jessica Pegula

World number ones Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both turned around losing situations on Saturday to move into the semi-finals of the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Open.

Sinner prevented rival Andrey Rublev from repeating a triumph from last Saturday in Montreal as he defeated the sixth seed in a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 fightback. Swiatek did the same in the women's draw as she worked to overcome teen Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Sinner will square off in the semis against third-ranked 2021 champion Alexander Zverev, who got past rain interruptions in the final set to defeat Ben Shelton 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.

The third set was start-stop but the German advanced to his third consecutive Cincinnati final-four spot.

"Conditions and the interruptions were tough, but Ben was the toughest part of the match," Zverev said. "He has played amazing tennis all week. It was tough to find my comfort zone today, but it's great to get the win."

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In the bottom of the draw, Fances Tiafoe will play Holger Rune.

The American advanced 6-3 after half an hour when fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz who underwent knee surgery a month ago, had to retire with a calf injury.

"At 2-2 I felt he was a little off," said Tiafoe, who claimed his 200th Tour match win. "I know how it feels dealing with pain, rehab... he did come back pretty quick."

Rune, who had never won a match here until this week beat Briton Jack Draper 6-4, 6-2 in 75 minutes.

Rune broke twice in the second set to take the win in 75 minutes.

"The scoreboard was not how the match felt," Rune said. "It was very difficult, Jack was going after it," he said.

Top seed Sinner took to the court for only his second match of the week after a first-round bye and a walkover on Friday.

Sinner -- whose fitness has been compromised in recent months by a hip niggle, illness and the tonsillitis which forced him to miss the Olympics -- stormed back to win the second set and break Rublev to start the third.

He clinched victory in a set where five of the 10 games were breaks of serve. His match point ball was caught by a gust of wind and put out of the reach of his opponent.

"There was a lot of mental strength required today," Sinner said. "It was tough conditions, very, very windy," he said.

Sinner ended with 31 winners, including 10 aces, while Rublev, the runner-up at Montreal, committed 47 unforced errors.

Poland's Swiatek grabbed a break in the penultimate game of a match lasting more than two and a half hours to finally advance past Andreeva at the US Open tuneup, which concludes on Monday.

Swiatek moved through on her first match point, her opponent driving a return long, and won a 30th match this season at the WTA 1000 level. She stands 53-6 for the season and has won 25 matches on hardcourt.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World number ones Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both turned around losing situations on Saturday to move into the semi-finals of the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Open.

World number ones Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both turned around losing situations on Saturday to move into the semi-finals of the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Open. Sinner prevented rival Andrey Rublev from repeating a triumph from last Saturday in Montreal as he defeated the sixth seed in a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 fightback. Swiatek did the same in the women's draw as she worked to overcome teen Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Sinner will square off in the semis against third-ranked 2021 champion Alexander Zverev, who got past rain interruptions in the final set to defeat Ben Shelton 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5. The third set was start-stop but the German advanced to his third consecutive Cincinnati final-four spot. "Conditions and the interruptions were tough, but Ben was the toughest part of the match," Zverev said. "He has played amazing tennis all week. It was tough to find my comfort zone today, but it's great to get the win." ALSO READ: WATCH: Nottingham Forest star Danilo suffers horrific leg injury on Premier League opening weekend In the bottom of the draw, Fances Tiafoe will play Holger Rune. The American advanced 6-3 after half an hour when fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz who underwent knee surgery a month ago, had to retire with a calf injury. "At 2-2 I felt he was a little off," said Tiafoe, who claimed his 200th Tour match win. "I know how it feels dealing with pain, rehab... he did come back pretty quick." Rune, who had never won a match here until this week beat Briton Jack Draper 6-4, 6-2 in 75 minutes. Rune broke twice in the second set to take the win in 75 minutes. "The scoreboard was not how the match felt," Rune said. "It was very difficult, Jack was going after it," he said. Top seed Sinner took to the court for only his second match of the week after a first-round bye and a walkover on Friday. Sinner -- whose fitness has been compromised in recent months by a hip niggle, illness and the tonsillitis which forced him to miss the Olympics -- stormed back to win the second set and break Rublev to start the third. He clinched victory in a set where five of the 10 games were breaks of serve. His match point ball was caught by a gust of wind and put out of the reach of his opponent. "There was a lot of mental strength required today," Sinner said. "It was tough conditions, very, very windy," he said. Sinner ended with 31 winners, including 10 aces, while Rublev, the runner-up at Montreal, committed 47 unforced errors. Poland's Swiatek grabbed a break in the penultimate game of a match lasting more than two and a half hours to finally advance past Andreeva at the US Open tuneup, which concludes on Monday. Swiatek moved through on her first match point, her opponent driving a return long, and won a 30th match this season at the WTA 1000 level. She stands 53-6 for the season and has won 25 matches on hardcourt. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis: Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek stage fightbacks to enter Cincinnati Open semis

The year’s final Grand Slam is set to take centre stage from 26 August 2024 in New York City, United States as top tennis stars prepare to clinch glory. Defending men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic will eye a place in the history books in what could be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title. The women’s division remains an open draw as in previous years with champion Coco Gauff facing a stern challenge to defend her crown. Ahead of the big tournament in New York, here is all you need to know about the US Open 2024.

<h2>When does the US Open 2024 start?</h2>

The US Open 2024 starts on Monday (August 26) in New York.

<h2>When will be the final of the US Open 2024?</h2>

The women’s singles final will be played on Saturday (September 7) and the men’s singles final will be played on Sunday (September 8) at the US Open 2024.

<h2>How many players will compete in the main draw of US Open 2024?</h2>

A total of 128 players will compete in both men’s singles and women’s singles of which 104 have qualified directly while 16 players will come from qualifiers and 8 players will be given wildcards in the US Open 2024.

<h2>Who are the top seeds in both men’s and women’s department at US Open 2024?</h2>

Novak Djokovic is likely to be the No.1 seed in the men’s singles department while Iga Swiatek is likely to be the No.1 seed in women’s singles in the US Open 2024.

<h2>Who are the defending champions of US Open?</h2>

24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic is the defending US Open men’s singles champion while Coco Gauff is the defending women’s singles champion at the US Open.

<h2>When are the draws for the US Open 2024?</h2>

The draws for the US Open 2024 will take place on Thursday (August 22) in Melbourne.

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<h2>What is the prize money for the US Open 2024 winner?</h2>

The winner of the US Open 2024 in the singles category of men’s and women’s department will receive $3.6 million each. The runners-up will receive $1.8 million each.

<h2>Which channel will broadcast the US Open 2024 in India?</h2>

Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 1 HD, and Sony Ten 2 HD will broadcast the US Open 2024.

<h2>Which platform will stream the US Open 2024?</h2>

The US Open 2024 can be streamed live on the Sony Liv app.

The year’s final Grand Slam is set to take centre stage from 26 August 2024 in New York City, United States as top tennis stars prepare to clinch glory. Defending men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic will eye a place in the history books in what could be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title.

The year’s final Grand Slam is set to take centre stage from 26 August 2024 in New York City, United States as top tennis stars prepare to clinch glory. Defending men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic will eye a place in the history books in what could be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title. The women’s division remains an open draw as in previous years with champion Coco Gauff facing a stern challenge to defend her crown. Ahead of the big tournament in New York, here is all you need to know about the US Open 2024. When does the US Open 2024 start? The US Open 2024 starts on Monday (August 26) in New York. When will be the final of the US Open 2024? The women’s singles final will be played on Saturday (September 7) and the men’s singles final will be played on Sunday (September 8) at the US Open 2024. How many players will compete in the main draw of US Open 2024? A total of 128 players will compete in both men’s singles and women’s singles of which 104 have qualified directly while 16 players will come from qualifiers and 8 players will be given wildcards in the US Open 2024. Who are the top seeds in both men’s and women’s department at US Open 2024? Novak Djokovic is likely to be the No.1 seed in the men’s singles department while Iga Swiatek is likely to be the No.1 seed in women’s singles in the US Open 2024. Who are the defending champions of US Open? 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic is the defending US Open men’s singles champion while Coco Gauff is the defending women’s singles champion at the US Open. When are the draws for the US Open 2024? The draws for the US Open 2024 will take place on Thursday (August 22) in Melbourne. ALSO READ | ‘I am struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, flashbacks’ – Flintoff recalls horrific road crash What is the prize money for the US Open 2024 winner? The winner of the US Open 2024 in the singles category of men’s and women’s department will receive $3.6 million each. The runners-up will receive $1.8 million each. Which channel will broadcast the US Open 2024 in India? Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 1 HD, and Sony Ten 2 HD will broadcast the US Open 2024. Which platform will stream the US Open 2024? The US Open 2024 can be streamed live on the Sony Liv app.

All you need to know about US Open 2024 including defending champion, live streaming, prize money

Cincinnati Masters top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both secured opening triumphs Wednesday over qualifiers, with Swiatek forced to escape an attempted second-round ambush by France's Varvara Gracheva. WTA world number one Swiatek needed six match points and more than two hours to escape with a 6-0, 6-7 (8/10), 6-2 victory to start the last major event prior to the US Open.

ATP number one Sinner fought off eight break points as the top seed began the Cincinnati Open with a 6-4, 7-5 triumph over US qualifier Alex Michelsen.

Swiatek ran away with the opening set in 22 minutes but could not close out when leading 5-2 in the second. The 62nd-ranked Gracheva saved five match points and converted on her own fifth set point to take the match into a third set.

Swiatek regained her poise to finally pull out the unexpectedly tight win to reach the third round.&nbsp;"It was not easy to finish in the second set," Swiatek said. "She started playing with freedom, with nothing to lose. "I backed down a bit and she used her chances. I'm happy I got more proactive in the third set and played more intense."

Swiatek said she kept her self-belief. "I knew I had the game to win it -- I did have five match points," she said. "It was my fault that I didn't close it out, but that happens. "I was able to play the third like I did at the start of the match. I don't want any regrets. I'm only looking forward. I'm in a peaceful place and I'm playing without expectations."

Italy's Sinner, who turns 23 on Friday, has never been past the third round at the American Midwest venue but is hoping to improve on that showing this week.

Victory in just under two hours marked the 25th on hardcourt this season for Sinner, who was the first man into the third round.

The top seed has not lost before the quarter-final stage of any event since Masters 1000 Shanghai last October. Teenaged opponent Michelsen went down with 42 unforced errors, his winner count of 14 exactly half of Sinner's total.

"It was a tough match," Sinner said. "I needed to start feeling the conditions and getting used to them. "I'm very happy to be into the next round. I've struggled here in past years. But today I stayed positive and that helped in the win."

Sinner, who missed the Paris Olympics with tonsillitis and went out last week in the Montreal quarter-finals, said he was not at his best.

"I'm not yet at 100%, but the main goal is the US Open," he said. "I have one week (after Cincinnati) to prepare in the best possible way. "The matches I can play here will help at the Open."

Sinner next plays Australian Jordan Thompson, a 6-2, 6-4 winner over Sebastian Baez.

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<h2>- Tsitsipas fights on -</h2>

Ninth seed Stefano Tsitsipas played for the first time since splitting last week with his father as coach, with the Greek turning the tables in dramatic fashion to reach the second round 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 over Jan-Lennard Struff.

Norwegian seventh seed Casper Ruud will next face Felix Auger-Aliassime after his 6-3, 6-1 win over US qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic. Monday's Montreal champion, Australian Alexei Popyrin, lost his opening match to France's Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3.

Dane Holger Rune beat Matteo Berrettini 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, ending the Italian's 10-match win streak that included clay titles in Gstaad and Kitzbuehel.

Briton Jack Draper worked for more than two and a half hours to stop Spain's Jaume Munar 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5).

Paula Badosa joined boyfriend Tsitsipas in the second round after defeating Cincinnati local Peyton Stearns 6-2, 7-5. Washington winner Badosa next plays 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya, a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback winner against Katerina Siniakova.

Cincinnati Masters top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both secured opening triumphs Wednesday over qualifiers, with Swiatek forced to escape an attempted second-round ambush by France's Varvara Gracheva.

Cincinnati Masters top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both secured opening triumphs Wednesday over qualifiers, with Swiatek forced to escape an attempted second-round ambush by France's Varvara Gracheva. WTA world number one Swiatek needed six match points and more than two hours to escape with a 6-0, 6-7 (8/10), 6-2 victory to start the last major event prior to the US Open. ATP number one Sinner fought off eight break points as the top seed began the Cincinnati Open with a 6-4, 7-5 triumph over US qualifier Alex Michelsen. Swiatek ran away with the opening set in 22 minutes but could not close out when leading 5-2 in the second. The 62nd-ranked Gracheva saved five match points and converted on her own fifth set point to take the match into a third set. Swiatek regained her poise to finally pull out the unexpectedly tight win to reach the third round. "It was not easy to finish in the second set," Swiatek said. "She started playing with freedom, with nothing to lose. "I backed down a bit and she used her chances. I'm happy I got more proactive in the third set and played more intense." Swiatek said she kept her self-belief. "I knew I had the game to win it -- I did have five match points," she said. "It was my fault that I didn't close it out, but that happens. "I was able to play the third like I did at the start of the match. I don't want any regrets. I'm only looking forward. I'm in a peaceful place and I'm playing without expectations." Italy's Sinner, who turns 23 on Friday, has never been past the third round at the American Midwest venue but is hoping to improve on that showing this week. Victory in just under two hours marked the 25th on hardcourt this season for Sinner, who was the first man into the third round. The top seed has not lost before the quarter-final stage of any event since Masters 1000 Shanghai last October. Teenaged opponent Michelsen went down with 42 unforced errors, his winner count of 14 exactly half of Sinner's total. "It was a tough match," Sinner said. "I needed to start feeling the conditions and getting used to them. "I'm very happy to be into the next round. I've struggled here in past years. But today I stayed positive and that helped in the win." Sinner, who missed the Paris Olympics with tonsillitis and went out last week in the Montreal quarter-finals, said he was not at his best. "I'm not yet at 100%, but the main goal is the US Open," he said. "I have one week (after Cincinnati) to prepare in the best possible way. "The matches I can play here will help at the Open." Sinner next plays Australian Jordan Thompson, a 6-2, 6-4 winner over Sebastian Baez. Also read: Vinesh Phogat CAS Verdict: Wrestler's appeal for joint-silver medal dismissed - Tsitsipas fights on - Ninth seed Stefano Tsitsipas played for the first time since splitting last week with his father as coach, with the Greek turning the tables in dramatic fashion to reach the second round 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 over Jan-Lennard Struff. Norwegian seventh seed Casper Ruud will next face Felix Auger-Aliassime after his 6-3, 6-1 win over US qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic. Monday's Montreal champion, Australian Alexei Popyrin, lost his opening match to France's Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3. Dane Holger Rune beat Matteo Berrettini 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, ending the Italian's 10-match win streak that included clay titles in Gstaad and Kitzbuehel. Briton Jack Draper worked for more than two and a half hours to stop Spain's Jaume Munar 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5). Paula Badosa joined boyfriend Tsitsipas in the second round after defeating Cincinnati local Peyton Stearns 6-2, 7-5. Washington winner Badosa next plays 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya, a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback winner against Katerina Siniakova.

Top seeds Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek survive challenges from Cincinnati qualifiers

World number one Iga Swiatek became the first player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals to be held in Riyadh from Nov. 2-9, the governing body of women's tennis said on Wednesday. The season finale, which features the top eight singles players and doubles teams, will offer record prize money of $15.25 million with increases in 2025 and 2026 after Saudi Arabia signed a three-year deal in April to host the event.

Poland's Swiatek, 23, will aim to defend her singles title. "It's a great feeling to qualify for the WTA Finals for the fourth year in a row," said Swiatek, who has won five trophies this season, including the French Open title, and took bronze at the Paris Olympics.

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"I hope the performances of the eight best players of the season will give a lot of joy to the fans all over the world."

World number one Iga Swiatek became the first player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals to be held in Riyadh from Nov. 2-9, the governing body of women's tennis said on Wednesday.

World number one Iga Swiatek became the first player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals to be held in Riyadh from Nov. 2-9, the governing body of women's tennis said on Wednesday. The season finale, which features the top eight singles players and doubles teams, will offer record prize money of $15.25 million with increases in 2025 and 2026 after Saudi Arabia signed a three-year deal in April to host the event. Poland's Swiatek, 23, will aim to defend her singles title. "It's a great feeling to qualify for the WTA Finals for the fourth year in a row," said Swiatek, who has won five trophies this season, including the French Open title, and took bronze at the Paris Olympics. Also read: Paris Olympics: Huge blow to India! Vinesh Phogat DISQUALIFIED before gold medal tie for being overweight "I hope the performances of the eight best players of the season will give a lot of joy to the fans all over the world."

World number one Iga Swiatek qualifies for WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

Poland's Iga Swiatek powered past France's Diane Parry 6-1 6-1 on Monday to cruise into the third round at the Paris Games and stay firmly on course for an Olympic gold medal. The world number one, who less than two months ago clinched her fourth French Open title on the same court, gave Parry no chance despite the home crowd's vocal support, racing through the first set in 38 minutes.

The 23-year-old Pole, the overwhelming favourite for the Olympic title, broke Parry again early in the second set to go 2-0 up and stay in control. With Parry's errors quickly piling up, Swiatek cruised through the second set, sealing her win on her opponent's serve, when the French player sent a forehand wide.

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Swiatek will next play China's Wang Xiyu in the third round.

Poland's Iga Swiatek powered past France's Diane Parry 6-1 6-1 on Monday to cruise into the third round at the Paris Games and stay firmly on course for an Olympic gold medal.

Poland's Iga Swiatek powered past France's Diane Parry 6-1 6-1 on Monday to cruise into the third round at the Paris Games and stay firmly on course for an Olympic gold medal. The world number one, who less than two months ago clinched her fourth French Open title on the same court, gave Parry no chance despite the home crowd's vocal support, racing through the first set in 38 minutes. The 23-year-old Pole, the overwhelming favourite for the Olympic title, broke Parry again early in the second set to go 2-0 up and stay in control. With Parry's errors quickly piling up, Swiatek cruised through the second set, sealing her win on her opponent's serve, when the French player sent a forehand wide. Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: India shooter Arjun Babuta misses medal by 1.4 point in 10m air rifle event Swiatek will next play China's Wang Xiyu in the third round.

Paris Olympics 2024: Favourite Iga Swiatek pummels France's Diane Parry to enter third round

Russian-born Kazakhstani Yulia Putintseva crushed Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon dream after she beat the World No.1 in one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history on Saturday (July 6). The contest played on Court No.1 saw Swiatek lose the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-2&nbsp;in complete dominance by the Kazakhstani star. The defeat also means Swiatek will have to wait at least until 2025 to get her hands on the coveted Wimbledon shield.

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An emphatic momentum change 👊 
 
Yulia Putintseva dominates the second set 6-1 to level the match against the world No.1!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PutintsevaYulia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PutintsevaYulia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QdK0itq1Oa">pic.twitter.com/QdK0itq1Oa</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1809629177890361585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Swiatek outclassed</h2>

On a run of 21 consecutive wins, Switaek was the favourite against a player ranked 35th in the WTA rankings. However, she was stunned by the Kazakhstani player having won the opening set 3-6 at Court No.1. But things took an upside-down turn in the second and third sets where Swiatek managed to win only three games before winning the match. She was good with her forehand and capitalised on the breakpoints to book her place in the next round.

The upset means both the World No.1 and the defending champion are out of the Wimbledon in the first week. Earlier, Markéta Vondroušová who is the defending champion in the Wimbledon women’s singles was knocked out in the opening round by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain.

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The defeat for Swiatek also means her dream to win the Wimbledon Championships once again remains incomplete. Her best performance at the SW19 came last year when she reached the quarterfinal. Grass court also remains the only surface where she has yet to win a Grand Slam. In her brilliant singles career, she has won four French Open titles while also pocketing the 2022 US Open. Like Wimbledon, Swiatek is yet to win the Australian Open as well with her best performance coming in 2022 when she reached the semis.

Russian-born Kazakhstani Yulia Putintseva crushed Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon dream after she beat the World No.1 in one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history on Saturday (July 6).

Russian-born Kazakhstani Yulia Putintseva crushed Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon dream after she beat the World No.1 in one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history on Saturday (July 6). The contest played on Court No.1 saw Swiatek lose the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in complete dominance by the Kazakhstani star. The defeat also means Swiatek will have to wait at least until 2025 to get her hands on the coveted Wimbledon shield. An emphatic momentum change 👊 Yulia Putintseva dominates the second set 6-1 to level the match against the world No.1!#Wimbledon | @PutintsevaYulia pic.twitter.com/QdK0itq1Oa — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2024 × Swiatek outclassed On a run of 21 consecutive wins, Switaek was the favourite against a player ranked 35th in the WTA rankings. However, she was stunned by the Kazakhstani player having won the opening set 3-6 at Court No.1. But things took an upside-down turn in the second and third sets where Swiatek managed to win only three games before winning the match. She was good with her forehand and capitalised on the breakpoints to book her place in the next round. The upset means both the World No.1 and the defending champion are out of the Wimbledon in the first week. Earlier, Markéta Vondroušová who is the defending champion in the Wimbledon women’s singles was knocked out in the opening round by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain. ALSO READ | Is Ronaldo’s international career over after Portugal's Euro 2024 exit? Martinez comments The defeat for Swiatek also means her dream to win the Wimbledon Championships once again remains incomplete. Her best performance at the SW19 came last year when she reached the quarterfinal. Grass court also remains the only surface where she has yet to win a Grand Slam. In her brilliant singles career, she has won four French Open titles while also pocketing the 2022 US Open. Like Wimbledon, Swiatek is yet to win the Australian Open as well with her best performance coming in 2022 when she reached the semis.

Yulia Putintseva crushes World No.1 Iga Swiatek's Wimbledon dream to reach fourth round

Iga&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;underlined her status as the world's top player with an efficient 6-4 6-3 victory over Croatian Petra Martic at Wimbledon on Thursday, her 21st match win in a row. The 23-year-old Pole triumphed at the Madrid and Rome Opens as well as taking the Roland Garros title, before switching to the Wimbledon grass and reaching the third round.

Swiatek, who has won five Grand Slams but has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals here, looked comfortable on the Centre Court grass, though she was tested at times by Martic's hefty serve and groundstrokes.

"I'm happy to play in a solid way,"&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;said. "I felt like I had control in most of the games when Petra served, but I couldn't really break it. I'm happy that I broke twice. That was a necessary thing to do to win these sets."

Martic, 10 years&nbsp;Swiatek's senior and ranked 85th in the world, fell and needed treatment after the seventh game of the first set but resumed apparently unimpeded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-wimbledon-2024-novak-djokovic-into-third-round-after-rookie-scare-from-jacob-fearnley-737967">Wimbledon 2024: Novak Djokovic into third round after rookie scare from Jacob Fearnley</a>

Swiatek&nbsp;clinched the first set on her first break point with an attacking forehand that Martic could only dump into the net.

She broke Martic's serve in the eighth game of the second set, earned match point with a big forehand winner and finished the contest with a serve that Martic netted.

Swiatek&nbsp;meets 35th-ranked Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in the next round. "I'm kind of doing everything step by step and every match matters for me,"&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;said. "It's not like I'm going in the first rounds of Grand Slams knowing that I should win or I should take it for granted. I'm ready to battle even in the first rounds."

Iga Swiatek underlined her status as the world's top player with an efficient 6-4 6-3 victory over Croatian Petra Martic at Wimbledon on Thursday, her 21st match win in a row.

Iga Swiatek underlined her status as the world's top player with an efficient 6-4 6-3 victory over Croatian Petra Martic at Wimbledon on Thursday, her 21st match win in a row. The 23-year-old Pole triumphed at the Madrid and Rome Opens as well as taking the Roland Garros title, before switching to the Wimbledon grass and reaching the third round. Swiatek, who has won five Grand Slams but has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals here, looked comfortable on the Centre Court grass, though she was tested at times by Martic's hefty serve and groundstrokes. "I'm happy to play in a solid way," Swiatek said. "I felt like I had control in most of the games when Petra served, but I couldn't really break it. I'm happy that I broke twice. That was a necessary thing to do to win these sets." Martic, 10 years Swiatek's senior and ranked 85th in the world, fell and needed treatment after the seventh game of the first set but resumed apparently unimpeded. Also read: Wimbledon 2024: Novak Djokovic into third round after rookie scare from Jacob Fearnley Swiatek clinched the first set on her first break point with an attacking forehand that Martic could only dump into the net. She broke Martic's serve in the eighth game of the second set, earned match point with a big forehand winner and finished the contest with a serve that Martic netted. Swiatek meets 35th-ranked Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in the next round. "I'm kind of doing everything step by step and every match matters for me," Swiatek said. "It's not like I'm going in the first rounds of Grand Slams knowing that I should win or I should take it for granted. I'm ready to battle even in the first rounds."

Wimbledon 2024: Top seed Iga Swiatek storms into third round with no-nonsense win over Petra Martic

Poland’s Iga Swiatek outclassed her Italian counterpart Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to win her third consecutive French Open women’s singles title on Saturday (June 8). Swiatek, seeded number one for the tournament also clinched her fourth title in five years in Paris having beaten Paolini 6-2, 6-1&nbsp;in little over an hour. Swiatek on her way to the&nbsp;French Open title dropped only one set in the tournament highlighting her dominance on clay court.

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IGA SWI4TEK QUEEN OF P4RIS 👑<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/ufBQUfpdrT">pic.twitter.com/ufBQUfpdrT</a>
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<h2>Swiatek clinches fourth title in Paris</h2>

Entering the final as the favourite to win the title, Swiatek was at her fluent best at Court Philippe-Chatrier as she dropped only three games in the entire match to win the French Open women’s singles title. The Polish sensation broke her opponent's serve on five occasions in the match while losing her serve only once throughout the 58-minute contest. With three love games, Swiatek showcased her dominance over the match and clinched her latest title.

During the entire tournament, Swiatek dropped only one set which was against Japan’s Naomi Osaka where she also saved a match point. After that match, there was no looking back for the Polish star as she won her fifth Grand Slam title, with four title wins coming in Paris. Her only other Grand Slam success was at the 2022 US Open.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-could-indias-plan-b-be-against-shaheen-and-amir-in-new-york-showdown-in-t20-world-cup-729942">What could India’s Plan B be against Shaheen and Amir in New York showdown in T20 World Cup?</a>

She also becomes the first woman since Belgian’s Justine Henin in 2007 to win the French Open women’s title on a third consecutive occasion. In the Open Era, only Chris Evert (7) and Steffi Graf (6) have won more French Open women’s singles titles than Swiatek while she is now level with Henin for four titles in Paris.

Swiatek’s next target will be to win the French Open for a fourth consecutive time in 2025 with only Suzanne Lenglen in the 1920s and Jeanne Matthey in the 1910s to have achieved the rare feat.

The eyes will now turn to the French Open men’s singles final which takes place on Sunday (June 9) as both Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev try to win their first title on the Clay Court. The winner will also become the fifth player in the last two decades to win the prestigious French Open men’s singles title which had seen a major dominance by Spain’s Rafael Nadal.

Poland’s Iga Swiatek outclassed her Italian counterpart Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to win her third consecutive French Open women’s singles title on Saturday (June 8).

Poland’s Iga Swiatek outclassed her Italian counterpart Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to win her third consecutive French Open women’s singles title on Saturday (June 8). Swiatek, seeded number one for the tournament also clinched her fourth title in five years in Paris having beaten Paolini 6-2, 6-1 in little over an hour. Swiatek on her way to the French Open title dropped only one set in the tournament highlighting her dominance on clay court. IGA SWI4TEK QUEEN OF P4RIS 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ufBQUfpdrT — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 8, 2024 × Swiatek clinches fourth title in Paris Entering the final as the favourite to win the title, Swiatek was at her fluent best at Court Philippe-Chatrier as she dropped only three games in the entire match to win the French Open women’s singles title. The Polish sensation broke her opponent's serve on five occasions in the match while losing her serve only once throughout the 58-minute contest. With three love games, Swiatek showcased her dominance over the match and clinched her latest title. During the entire tournament, Swiatek dropped only one set which was against Japan’s Naomi Osaka where she also saved a match point. After that match, there was no looking back for the Polish star as she won her fifth Grand Slam title, with four title wins coming in Paris. Her only other Grand Slam success was at the 2022 US Open. ALSO READ | What could India’s Plan B be against Shaheen and Amir in New York showdown in T20 World Cup? She also becomes the first woman since Belgian’s Justine Henin in 2007 to win the French Open women’s title on a third consecutive occasion. In the Open Era, only Chris Evert (7) and Steffi Graf (6) have won more French Open women’s singles titles than Swiatek while she is now level with Henin for four titles in Paris. Swiatek’s next target will be to win the French Open for a fourth consecutive time in 2025 with only Suzanne Lenglen in the 1920s and Jeanne Matthey in the 1910s to have achieved the rare feat. The eyes will now turn to the French Open men’s singles final which takes place on Sunday (June 9) as both Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev try to win their first title on the Clay Court. The winner will also become the fifth player in the last two decades to win the prestigious French Open men’s singles title which had seen a major dominance by Spain’s Rafael Nadal.

French Open Final: Iga Swiatek outclasses Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to win third consecutive title

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