Two-time champion Iga Swiatek eased into the Italian Open semi-finals with a 6-1 6-3 win over 18th seed Madison Keys on Tuesday, and will face American third seed Coco Gauff for a spot in the final. The quarterfinal in Rome was a repeat of Swiatek's recent semi-final clash with America's Keys in Madrid, which ended with the same scoreline.

World number one Swiatek broke serve in the opening game, and while Keys won her next service game to love to make it 2-1, the Polish top-seed won the next four games to take the first set in 26 minutes. Swiatek needed just one break in the second set, which gave her a 3-1 lead, and when the Pole saved four break points in the next game to hold serve, Keys' chance of a comeback ended.

"Honestly I felt really good today, even if I knew that one or two points could change everything," Swiatek said. "I'm glad that I served well because I think when we were kind of even in the games sometimes, I could win two points just by serving. "It's something that doesn't happen often in my game, so today was a good day in terms of that."

Swiatek is aiming to win her fourth title this year having already won the Qatar Open, Indian Wells and the Madrid Open.

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She will face Gauff on Friday after the American beat China's Zheng Qinwen 7-6(4) 6-1 in the other quarter-final on Tuesday. "(Swiatek) is a tough opponent to play, especially on clay. There's a reason why she's number one," Gauff said. "But I feel like I'm getting better with each match. I'm really excited to play the semi-final."

In the remaining quarterfinals on Wednesday, world number two Aryna Sabalenka will face ninth seed Jelena Ostapenko before Victoria Azarenka plays American 13th seed Danielle Collins.

Two-time champion Iga Swiatek eased into the Italian Open semi-finals with a 6-1 6-3 win over 18th seed Madison Keys on Tuesday, and will face American third seed Coco Gauff for a spot in the final.

Two-time champion Iga Swiatek eased into the Italian Open semi-finals with a 6-1 6-3 win over 18th seed Madison Keys on Tuesday, and will face American third seed Coco Gauff for a spot in the final. The quarterfinal in Rome was a repeat of Swiatek's recent semi-final clash with America's Keys in Madrid, which ended with the same scoreline. World number one Swiatek broke serve in the opening game, and while Keys won her next service game to love to make it 2-1, the Polish top-seed won the next four games to take the first set in 26 minutes. Swiatek needed just one break in the second set, which gave her a 3-1 lead, and when the Pole saved four break points in the next game to hold serve, Keys' chance of a comeback ended. "Honestly I felt really good today, even if I knew that one or two points could change everything," Swiatek said. "I'm glad that I served well because I think when we were kind of even in the games sometimes, I could win two points just by serving. "It's something that doesn't happen often in my game, so today was a good day in terms of that." Swiatek is aiming to win her fourth title this year having already won the Qatar Open, Indian Wells and the Madrid Open. Also read: French Open 2024: Simona Halep, Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem miss out on wild cards She will face Gauff on Friday after the American beat China's Zheng Qinwen 7-6(4) 6-1 in the other quarter-final on Tuesday. "(Swiatek) is a tough opponent to play, especially on clay. There's a reason why she's number one," Gauff said. "But I feel like I'm getting better with each match. I'm really excited to play the semi-final." In the remaining quarterfinals on Wednesday, world number two Aryna Sabalenka will face ninth seed Jelena Ostapenko before Victoria Azarenka plays American 13th seed Danielle Collins.

Two-time champion Iga Swiatek enters Italian Open semifinals, to face Coco Gauff

World number one Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 7-6(7) in a gripping and gruelling Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time on Saturday in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 claycourt tournament.

Sabalenka had won the 2023 final in three sets but it was Swiatek who triumphed this time after saving three championship points to secure her 20th career title and deny the Belarusian a third title on the red clay of the Spanish capital.

The match was the first contest of the season between the top two in the women's rankings and it lived up to expectations, going down as the longest encounter between the two Grand Slam champions at three hours and 11 minutes.

Victory improved Swiatek's record over her Belarusian rival to 7-3 as the three-time&nbsp;French Open champion bagged the only major claycourt title that was missing on her glittering resume.

"Aryna, to many more finals! It's always a challenge playing you. Thanks for always motivating me and forcing me to be a better player," Swiatek said at the trophy presentation.

In the opening set, Sabalenka used her powerful forehand to great effect, firing winners past Swiatek that had the crowd roaring their approval, but the Belarusian struggled to convert break points against the world number one.

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In response, Swiatek was more measured in her approach to constructing points and made the decisive break at 5-5 before serving out the set, clinching it when Sabalenka's return popped up off the netcord and set up an easy winner for the Pole.

Sabalenka raised her intensity in the second set and took a 2-0 lead and nearly went 3-0 up but her first double fault of the match opened the door for Swiatek to get on the board before she broke again to put the set back on serve.

But this time, at 5-4, Sabalenka did not lose her focus as the Belarusian smashed a forehand winner down the line to force a decider and go the distance for the fifth time in six matches at the tournament.

Although the top seeds traded breaks in the final set, there was little to separate the pair until Sabalenka had match points.

However, Swiatek held her nerve when she served to stay in the contest, saving two match points en route to forcing the tiebreak.

Swiatek also had a match point snatched away from her before she clinched victory on her second opportunity when Sabalenka's return went long and the Pole fell to the ground in relief and exhaustion.

"I tried to make this match as long as possible... Hopefully next year it goes to me," Sabalenka said. "Three hours, that's a long one! Hopefully we recover fast for the next tournament."

World number one Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 7-6(7) in a gripping and gruelling Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time on Saturday in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 claycourt tournament.

World number one Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 7-6(7) in a gripping and gruelling Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time on Saturday in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 claycourt tournament. Sabalenka had won the 2023 final in three sets but it was Swiatek who triumphed this time after saving three championship points to secure her 20th career title and deny the Belarusian a third title on the red clay of the Spanish capital. The match was the first contest of the season between the top two in the women's rankings and it lived up to expectations, going down as the longest encounter between the two Grand Slam champions at three hours and 11 minutes. Victory improved Swiatek's record over her Belarusian rival to 7-3 as the three-time French Open champion bagged the only major claycourt title that was missing on her glittering resume. "Aryna, to many more finals! It's always a challenge playing you. Thanks for always motivating me and forcing me to be a better player," Swiatek said at the trophy presentation. In the opening set, Sabalenka used her powerful forehand to great effect, firing winners past Swiatek that had the crowd roaring their approval, but the Belarusian struggled to convert break points against the world number one. ALSO READ: Tennis: Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner withdraws from Italian Open due to injury In response, Swiatek was more measured in her approach to constructing points and made the decisive break at 5-5 before serving out the set, clinching it when Sabalenka's return popped up off the netcord and set up an easy winner for the Pole. Sabalenka raised her intensity in the second set and took a 2-0 lead and nearly went 3-0 up but her first double fault of the match opened the door for Swiatek to get on the board before she broke again to put the set back on serve. But this time, at 5-4, Sabalenka did not lose her focus as the Belarusian smashed a forehand winner down the line to force a decider and go the distance for the fifth time in six matches at the tournament. Although the top seeds traded breaks in the final set, there was little to separate the pair until Sabalenka had match points. However, Swiatek held her nerve when she served to stay in the contest, saving two match points en route to forcing the tiebreak. Swiatek also had a match point snatched away from her before she clinched victory on her second opportunity when Sabalenka's return went long and the Pole fell to the ground in relief and exhaustion. "I tried to make this match as long as possible... Hopefully next year it goes to me," Sabalenka said. "Three hours, that's a long one! Hopefully we recover fast for the next tournament."

Tennis: Top seed Iga Swiatek wins maiden Madrid Open title with gritty win over Aryna Sabalenka

Third seed Daniil Medvedev retired injured from his Madrid Open quarter-final clash with Jiri Lehecka on Thursday, a day after Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw from the clay-court tournament.

Earlier women's world number one Iga Swiatek cruised through to a second consecutive Madrid Open final with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys.

Russia's Medvedev needed a medical time-out early in the last eight match and struggled through to the end of the first set with an apparent upper thigh problem, losing it 6-4 before retiring.

Czech Lehecka progressed to his first Masters 1000 semi-final, where he will face Felix Auger Aliassime, who received a walkover after top seed Sinner withdrew Wednesday with a hip problem.

"It's never easy in a match like this," said Lehecka. "If I were to choose the way how to win this match, it wouldn't be like that.

"It's never easy to see your opponent struggling, but at that moment, you just need to focus on yourself, trying to get the maximum level out of yourself."

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Medvedev took an off-court medical timeout after the fifth game, all holds of serve, and when he returned clearly had problems moving freely around the court.

The world number four saved two break points to hold for a 4-3 lead as Lehecka floundered, laughing to himself at his fortune in winning the seventh game despite playing through obvious pain.

The Czech, who knocked-out Rafael Nadal on Wednesday, settled down and capitalised on Medvedev's woes to break in the ninth game for a 5-4 lead, serving it out as his opponent went long.

Medvedev won just four of the last 16 points before deciding to call it a night, with fans left disappointed. The other men's quarter-final set for Thursday had been cancelled after Sinner's withdrawal.

The 28-year-old Medvedev is the defending champion at the Italian Open, which starts next week, while the French Open, the season's second Grand Slam event, gets underway in just over three weeks' time.

Taylor Fritz will face Andrey Rublev in the other semi-final on Friday, after the Russian ousted home favourite Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday.

<h2>- Superb Swiatek -</h2>

Dominant on clay, Swiatek barely put a foot wrong against Keys, making just eight unforced errors in the match to leave the 29-year-old American with virtually no chance.

"I'm really happy that I had such a solid game today," Swiatek said on court after reaching her 11th WTA 1000 final.

"Madison is an amazing player with a really fast game and a big serve, so I wanted to focus on myself and I'm happy I was focussed."

The top seed, triumphant at Doha and Indian Wells, started in unforgiving form.

Swiatek broke to love in the second game and dropped just three of the first 17 points.

Keys, seeded 18th, battled back to hold from 0-30 down for a 3-1 deficit, fighting to stay in the set.

However last year's Madrid runner-up broke again for a 5-1 lead and served it out to wrap up the first set in 31 minutes.

The clinical Swiatek broke for a 2-1 lead in the second set with a superb passing shot and never relinquished her advantage, even though Keys was more competitive.

The 22-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner broke once more to seal her victory when world number 20 Keys went long.

Later reigning champion and second seed Aryna Sabalenka faces Elena Rybakina in the second semi-final, ahead of Saturday's showdown with Swiatek.

Third seed Daniil Medvedev retired injured from his Madrid Open quarter-final clash with Jiri Lehecka on Thursday, a day after Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw from the clay-court tournament.

Third seed Daniil Medvedev retired injured from his Madrid Open quarter-final clash with Jiri Lehecka on Thursday, a day after Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw from the clay-court tournament. Earlier women's world number one Iga Swiatek cruised through to a second consecutive Madrid Open final with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys. Russia's Medvedev needed a medical time-out early in the last eight match and struggled through to the end of the first set with an apparent upper thigh problem, losing it 6-4 before retiring. Czech Lehecka progressed to his first Masters 1000 semi-final, where he will face Felix Auger Aliassime, who received a walkover after top seed Sinner withdrew Wednesday with a hip problem. "It's never easy in a match like this," said Lehecka. "If I were to choose the way how to win this match, it wouldn't be like that. "It's never easy to see your opponent struggling, but at that moment, you just need to focus on yourself, trying to get the maximum level out of yourself." ALSO READ: USA’s Kelley O'Hara - two-time women’s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, announces retirement Medvedev took an off-court medical timeout after the fifth game, all holds of serve, and when he returned clearly had problems moving freely around the court. The world number four saved two break points to hold for a 4-3 lead as Lehecka floundered, laughing to himself at his fortune in winning the seventh game despite playing through obvious pain. The Czech, who knocked-out Rafael Nadal on Wednesday, settled down and capitalised on Medvedev's woes to break in the ninth game for a 5-4 lead, serving it out as his opponent went long. Medvedev won just four of the last 16 points before deciding to call it a night, with fans left disappointed. The other men's quarter-final set for Thursday had been cancelled after Sinner's withdrawal. The 28-year-old Medvedev is the defending champion at the Italian Open, which starts next week, while the French Open, the season's second Grand Slam event, gets underway in just over three weeks' time. Taylor Fritz will face Andrey Rublev in the other semi-final on Friday, after the Russian ousted home favourite Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday. - Superb Swiatek - Dominant on clay, Swiatek barely put a foot wrong against Keys, making just eight unforced errors in the match to leave the 29-year-old American with virtually no chance. "I'm really happy that I had such a solid game today," Swiatek said on court after reaching her 11th WTA 1000 final. "Madison is an amazing player with a really fast game and a big serve, so I wanted to focus on myself and I'm happy I was focussed." The top seed, triumphant at Doha and Indian Wells, started in unforgiving form. Swiatek broke to love in the second game and dropped just three of the first 17 points. Keys, seeded 18th, battled back to hold from 0-30 down for a 3-1 deficit, fighting to stay in the set. However last year's Madrid runner-up broke again for a 5-1 lead and served it out to wrap up the first set in 31 minutes. The clinical Swiatek broke for a 2-1 lead in the second set with a superb passing shot and never relinquished her advantage, even though Keys was more competitive. The 22-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner broke once more to seal her victory when world number 20 Keys went long. Later reigning champion and second seed Aryna Sabalenka faces Elena Rybakina in the second semi-final, ahead of Saturday's showdown with Swiatek.

Madrid Open: Medvedev retires injured as top seed Iga Swiatek reaches consecutive final

World number one Iga Swiatek launched her bid for a maiden Madrid Open title with an impressive win over China's Wang Xiyu 6-1 6-4 to reach the third round. As a three-time champion at Roland Garros and two-time winner in Rome and Stuttgart, Madrid is the only major title on the European clay circuit 22-year.old

Swiatek is yet to lift, having finished runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in last year's final. Second seed Coco Gauff also advanced with ease into the last 32, demolishing Dutch world number 47 Aranxta Rus 6-0 6-0 in just 51 minutes with a dominating display.

Third round qualification proved a tougher task for 2022 Madrid champion and eighth seed Ons Jabeur, however, who earned a hard-fought 6-4 5-7 6-3 win over Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova over two and a half hours, having failed to convert a match point serving with a 5-4 lead in the second set.

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NADAL ALSO SAILED THROUGH

Rafael&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;thrashed 16-year-old wild card Darwin Blanch 6-1 6-0 in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday and will face Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur next. The 22-time Grand Slam champion broke the American at the first opportunity in the second game before grabbing the first set in just 28 minutes.

The American teen committed 27 unforced errors in what was his second ATP tour match after he had made his debut last month in Miami.

"I think today I played against someone with a great future in front of him,"&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;said. "(But) Today he was making mistakes. "I tried to be there and be solid all the time without taking a lot of risks. I'm happy to be through and I wish him all the very best.

"For me after how things developed the last few years, every time I have a chance to be on court on this amazing stadium with unconditional support means a lot to me. Trying to enjoy every moment."

World number one Iga Swiatek launched her bid for a maiden Madrid Open title with an impressive win over China's Wang Xiyu 6-1 6-4 to reach the third round. As a three-time champion at Roland Garros and two-time winner in Rome and Stuttgart, Madrid is the only major title on the European clay circuit 22-year.

World number one Iga Swiatek launched her bid for a maiden Madrid Open title with an impressive win over China's Wang Xiyu 6-1 6-4 to reach the third round. As a three-time champion at Roland Garros and two-time winner in Rome and Stuttgart, Madrid is the only major title on the European clay circuit 22-year.old Swiatek is yet to lift, having finished runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in last year's final. Second seed Coco Gauff also advanced with ease into the last 32, demolishing Dutch world number 47 Aranxta Rus 6-0 6-0 in just 51 minutes with a dominating display. Third round qualification proved a tougher task for 2022 Madrid champion and eighth seed Ons Jabeur, however, who earned a hard-fought 6-4 5-7 6-3 win over Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova over two and a half hours, having failed to convert a match point serving with a 5-4 lead in the second set. Also read: WADA launches independent review of its decision to allow Chinese swimmers in Tokyo Olympics NADAL ALSO SAILED THROUGH Rafael Nadal thrashed 16-year-old wild card Darwin Blanch 6-1 6-0 in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday and will face Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur next. The 22-time Grand Slam champion broke the American at the first opportunity in the second game before grabbing the first set in just 28 minutes. The American teen committed 27 unforced errors in what was his second ATP tour match after he had made his debut last month in Miami. "I think today I played against someone with a great future in front of him," Nadal said. "(But) Today he was making mistakes. "I tried to be there and be solid all the time without taking a lot of risks. I'm happy to be through and I wish him all the very best. "For me after how things developed the last few years, every time I have a chance to be on court on this amazing stadium with unconditional support means a lot to me. Trying to enjoy every moment."

Madrid Open: Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur and Coco Gauff start with easy wins

Elena Rybakina ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in Stuttgart on Saturday to reach the final of the clay-court tournament.

Fourth seed Rybakina came through their semi-final clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, stunning the Polish world number one who had captured the last two titles at the German event.

Rybakina will face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in Saturday's second semi-final, for the title.

Rybakina now boasts a 4-2 career head-to-head record against four-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek and will be playing in her fifth final of 2024 on Sunday.

"Like always it was a very tough match," Rybakina said of her opponent. "My serve helped me a lot in important moments. I was fighting for the ball.

"It was such a close match. I'm really happy I managed to win and could show a good game."

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Winners of the Stuttgart tournament, sponsored by German automobile company Porsche, receive a car but Rybakina revealed the prize would be of little use.

"I actually don't have a driver's licence," said Rybakina, 24, who has titles to her name this season in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi and runners-up spots at Doha and Miami.

Kostyuk took just one hour 35 minutes to beat world number eight Vondrousova, just a day after coming through a three-set epic against US Open champion and world number three Coco Gauff.

"I don't think a lot of people know but I started my career 0-14 against top 10 players so I'm really trying to catch up," said world number 27 Kostyuk who also eliminated seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen earlier in the week.

"These are some of the best players in the world in the last year and it's incredible to beat all of them -- and I'm hoping for a Grand Slam too for myself one day."

The 21-year-old Ukrainian will play in her second final of the season, having finished runner-up to Katie Boulter at the San Diego Open in March.

It will be her third career final having claimed her maiden WTA title in Austin last season.

Elena Rybakina ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in Stuttgart on Saturday to reach the final of the clay-court tournament. Fourth seed Rybakina came through their semi-final clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, stunning the Polish world number one who had captured the last two titles at the German event.

Elena Rybakina ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in Stuttgart on Saturday to reach the final of the clay-court tournament. Fourth seed Rybakina came through their semi-final clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, stunning the Polish world number one who had captured the last two titles at the German event. Rybakina will face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in Saturday's second semi-final, for the title. Rybakina now boasts a 4-2 career head-to-head record against four-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek and will be playing in her fifth final of 2024 on Sunday. "Like always it was a very tough match," Rybakina said of her opponent. "My serve helped me a lot in important moments. I was fighting for the ball. "It was such a close match. I'm really happy I managed to win and could show a good game." ALSO READ: 'It's unacceptable': Pep Guardiola goes ballistic on scheduling nightmare after FA Cup win Winners of the Stuttgart tournament, sponsored by German automobile company Porsche, receive a car but Rybakina revealed the prize would be of little use. "I actually don't have a driver's licence," said Rybakina, 24, who has titles to her name this season in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi and runners-up spots at Doha and Miami. Kostyuk took just one hour 35 minutes to beat world number eight Vondrousova, just a day after coming through a three-set epic against US Open champion and world number three Coco Gauff. "I don't think a lot of people know but I started my career 0-14 against top 10 players so I'm really trying to catch up," said world number 27 Kostyuk who also eliminated seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen earlier in the week. "These are some of the best players in the world in the last year and it's incredible to beat all of them -- and I'm hoping for a Grand Slam too for myself one day." The 21-year-old Ukrainian will play in her second final of the season, having finished runner-up to Katie Boulter at the San Diego Open in March. It will be her third career final having claimed her maiden WTA title in Austin last season.

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Elena Rybakina ends Swiatek's winning run to set up final clash with Marta Kostyuk

World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek took her Stuttgart winning streak to 10 matches on Friday with a straight sets quarter-final victory over Emma Raducanu while title rivals Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff suffered shock defeats.

Top seed Swiatek, the 2022 and 2023 champion at the German clay-court tournament, saw off former US Open champion Raducanu 7-6 (7/2), 6-3.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova beat world number two and three-time Stuttgart runner-up Sabalenka 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

US Open champion Gauff, the world number three, fell 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk.

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The 22-year-old Swiatek needed just over two hours to defeat Raducanu who was playing in her first quarter-final since 2022.

"She started playing at the beginning pretty loose, like she had nothing to lose, and I totally get that. Sometimes it is like that," said Swiatek. "But I knew I was kind of questioning if she's going to be able to keep the same intensity throughout the whole match. It wasn't about service games or return games. I was just waiting for my chances to break back and I was sure that I'm going to get them."

Despite her loss, there were encouraging signs of a return to form for Raducanu.

Her two wins for Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup win against France last weekend followed by two victories in Stuttgart mark the first time she has won four matches in a row since her 2021 US Open title triumph.

The former world number 10 came into Stuttgart ranked at 303. Twelve months ago, Stuttgart proved to be her final event of 2023 before undergoing surgery on both wrists and her ankle.

<h2>- Kostyuk fightback -</h2>

Swiatek will face fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, for a place in the final.

Vondrousova reached her first semi-final since clinching the Wimbledon title last July when she stunned Sabalenka.

The sixth-seeded Czech celebrated her first win over Sabalenka in six years after losing four in a row between 2018 and 2023.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka had been attempting to make the Stuttgart final for a fourth successive year.

The powerful Belarusian crunched 35 winners to Vondrousova's 17, but committed 48 unforced errors compared to 19.

Vondrousova crucially converted seven of eight break points while Sabalenka only capitalised six times from 15 opportunities.

Vondrousova will face Kostyuk for a place in Sunday's final after the 27th-ranked Ukrainian avenged her Australian Open quarter-final loss to Gauff.

The 21-year-old Kostyuk had needed over three hours to defeat Laura Siegemund in the first round before saving five match points to get past Zheng Qinwen in the last 16.

On Friday, she battled back from 4-2 in the second set and 3-1 down in the third while Gauff had to save a total of seven match points.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian carved out 21 break points in all and hit 35 winners as she reached her third semi-final of 2024.

"Well, definitely means a lot, because to be consistent in tennis, it takes a lot of work and a lot of discipline," Kostyuk told wtatennis.com. "Everything around you has to work really well."

World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek took her Stuttgart winning streak to 10 matches on Friday with a straight sets quarter-final victory over Emma Raducanu while title rivals Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff suffered shock defeats.

World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek took her Stuttgart winning streak to 10 matches on Friday with a straight sets quarter-final victory over Emma Raducanu while title rivals Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff suffered shock defeats. Top seed Swiatek, the 2022 and 2023 champion at the German clay-court tournament, saw off former US Open champion Raducanu 7-6 (7/2), 6-3. Reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova beat world number two and three-time Stuttgart runner-up Sabalenka 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. US Open champion Gauff, the world number three, fell 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk. ALSO READ: Swimming: Titmus' fastest 400m freestyle record of 2024 fires warning signs ahead of Paris Olympics The 22-year-old Swiatek needed just over two hours to defeat Raducanu who was playing in her first quarter-final since 2022. "She started playing at the beginning pretty loose, like she had nothing to lose, and I totally get that. Sometimes it is like that," said Swiatek. "But I knew I was kind of questioning if she's going to be able to keep the same intensity throughout the whole match. It wasn't about service games or return games. I was just waiting for my chances to break back and I was sure that I'm going to get them." Despite her loss, there were encouraging signs of a return to form for Raducanu. Her two wins for Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup win against France last weekend followed by two victories in Stuttgart mark the first time she has won four matches in a row since her 2021 US Open title triumph. The former world number 10 came into Stuttgart ranked at 303. Twelve months ago, Stuttgart proved to be her final event of 2023 before undergoing surgery on both wrists and her ankle. - Kostyuk fightback - Swiatek will face fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, for a place in the final. Vondrousova reached her first semi-final since clinching the Wimbledon title last July when she stunned Sabalenka. The sixth-seeded Czech celebrated her first win over Sabalenka in six years after losing four in a row between 2018 and 2023. Australian Open champion Sabalenka had been attempting to make the Stuttgart final for a fourth successive year. The powerful Belarusian crunched 35 winners to Vondrousova's 17, but committed 48 unforced errors compared to 19. Vondrousova crucially converted seven of eight break points while Sabalenka only capitalised six times from 15 opportunities. Vondrousova will face Kostyuk for a place in Sunday's final after the 27th-ranked Ukrainian avenged her Australian Open quarter-final loss to Gauff. The 21-year-old Kostyuk had needed over three hours to defeat Laura Siegemund in the first round before saving five match points to get past Zheng Qinwen in the last 16. On Friday, she battled back from 4-2 in the second set and 3-1 down in the third while Gauff had to save a total of seven match points. The Ukrainian carved out 21 break points in all and hit 35 winners as she reached her third semi-final of 2024. "Well, definitely means a lot, because to be consistent in tennis, it takes a lot of work and a lot of discipline," Kostyuk told wtatennis.com. "Everything around you has to work really well."

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Iga Swiatek continues winning run as Sabalenka, Gauff suffer shock defeats

Third-seeded Casper Ruud defeated 14th-seeded Jordan Thompson 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Thursday in Spain. Ruud, of Norway, won the first five games of the first set and overcame four aces by the Australian to capture the match in 73 minutes. Ruud will face Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the next round.

Fourth-seeded Alex de Minaur of Australia was unable to follow up the momentum of his victory over Rafael Nadal on Wednesday, as he dropped a 7-5, 6-2 decision to 16th-seeded Arthur Fils of France. Other seeded winners included No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, No. 12 Cameron Norrie of Great Britain and No. 13 Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina.

Eleventh-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain and 17th-seeded Fabian Marozsan were not as fortunate. The former dropped a 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-1 decision to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia, while the latter fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to Facundo Diaz Acosta of Argentina.

Tiriac Open

Marton Fucsovics of Hungary recorded a 7-5, 6-1 win over second-seeded Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands to advance to the third round in Bucharest, Romania. Fucsovics fired five aces and overcame two double faults to dispatch Griekspoor in 91 minutes. In the quarterfinals, he will face Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who upended seventh-seeded Nuno Borges of Portugal 6-2, 6-7 (3), 6-2.

Wild card Joao Fonseca of Brazil defeated Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot 7-6 (2), 6-2, as he broke Albot's serve three times in four chances.

BMW Open

Second-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark notched a 6-4, 6-2 win over Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia to advance to the third round in Munich. Rune benefited from seven aces and won 92.9 percent of his first-serve points (26 of 28) to capture the match in one hour, 39 minutes.

No. 3 seed Taylor Fritz, No. 4 Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany and No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada were also victorious. Fritz breezed to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Alejandro Moro Canas of Sapin, Struff outlasted Botic Van De Zandschulp of the Netherlands 7-6 (0), 6-4 and Auger-Aliassime notched a 6-3, 6-2 win over Taro Daniel of Japan.

Cristian Garin of Chile and Swiss qualifier Marc-Andre Huesler also won their matches.

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<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" data-rc-highlight="headline" dir="auto" title="WTA roundup: Iga Swiatek remains perfect in Stuttgart">WTA roundup:&nbsp;Iga&nbsp;Swiatek remains perfect in Stuttgart</h2>

No. 1 seed&nbsp;Iga&nbsp;Swiatek of Poland swept past Belgium's Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. Swiatek -- the two-time defending champion who has never lost a match in Stuttgart -- saved 5 of 7 break points while going 4-for-6 in breaking Mertens.

The four-time Grand Slam champion's next opponent will be 2021 U.S. Open winner Emma Raducanu of Great Britain. Raducanu, who is on the comeback trail after wrist and ankle surgeries this time last year, beat Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-0, 7-5.

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk saved five match points in the 10th game of the third set while rallying to vanquish Chinese fifth seed Qinwen Zheng 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. Italy's Jasmine Paolini upset No. 7 seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 7-6 (8), 6-4, while No. 4 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and No. 6 Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic both advanced.

Third-seeded Casper Ruud defeated 14th-seeded Jordan Thompson 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Thursday in Spain. Ruud, of Norway, won the first five games of the first set and overcame four aces by the Australian to capture the match in 73 minutes.

Third-seeded Casper Ruud defeated 14th-seeded Jordan Thompson 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Thursday in Spain. Ruud, of Norway, won the first five games of the first set and overcame four aces by the Australian to capture the match in 73 minutes. Ruud will face Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the next round. Fourth-seeded Alex de Minaur of Australia was unable to follow up the momentum of his victory over Rafael Nadal on Wednesday, as he dropped a 7-5, 6-2 decision to 16th-seeded Arthur Fils of France. Other seeded winners included No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, No. 12 Cameron Norrie of Great Britain and No. 13 Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina. Eleventh-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain and 17th-seeded Fabian Marozsan were not as fortunate. The former dropped a 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-1 decision to Dusan Lajovic of Serbia, while the latter fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to Facundo Diaz Acosta of Argentina. Tiriac Open Marton Fucsovics of Hungary recorded a 7-5, 6-1 win over second-seeded Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands to advance to the third round in Bucharest, Romania. Fucsovics fired five aces and overcame two double faults to dispatch Griekspoor in 91 minutes. In the quarterfinals, he will face Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who upended seventh-seeded Nuno Borges of Portugal 6-2, 6-7 (3), 6-2. Wild card Joao Fonseca of Brazil defeated Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot 7-6 (2), 6-2, as he broke Albot's serve three times in four chances. BMW Open Second-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark notched a 6-4, 6-2 win over Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia to advance to the third round in Munich. Rune benefited from seven aces and won 92.9 percent of his first-serve points (26 of 28) to capture the match in one hour, 39 minutes. No. 3 seed Taylor Fritz, No. 4 Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany and No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada were also victorious. Fritz breezed to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Alejandro Moro Canas of Sapin, Struff outlasted Botic Van De Zandschulp of the Netherlands 7-6 (0), 6-4 and Auger-Aliassime notched a 6-3, 6-2 win over Taro Daniel of Japan. Cristian Garin of Chile and Swiss qualifier Marc-Andre Huesler also won their matches. Also read: WTA roundup: Young sensation Coco Gauff downs another American in Stuttgart WTA roundup: Iga Swiatek remains perfect in Stuttgart No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland swept past Belgium's Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. Swiatek -- the two-time defending champion who has never lost a match in Stuttgart -- saved 5 of 7 break points while going 4-for-6 in breaking Mertens. The four-time Grand Slam champion's next opponent will be 2021 U.S. Open winner Emma Raducanu of Great Britain. Raducanu, who is on the comeback trail after wrist and ankle surgeries this time last year, beat Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-0, 7-5. Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk saved five match points in the 10th game of the third set while rallying to vanquish Chinese fifth seed Qinwen Zheng 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. Italy's Jasmine Paolini upset No. 7 seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 7-6 (8), 6-4, while No. 4 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and No. 6 Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic both advanced.

ATP roundup: Norway's Casper Ruud marches ahead in Barcelona

Maria Sakkari endured a spirited fightback from Coco Gauff to stun the third seed 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2 in a rain-interrupted Indian Wells semi-final on Friday and set up an intriguing rematch of the 2022 title clash with Iga Swiatek.

U.S. Open champion Gauff looked far from her best early in the match as Sakkari drew first blood after a short rain delay by breaking the American third seed in the ninth game, before securing the opening set with ease.

The players were forced off the court for a longer spell as the showers returned at the start of the second set, but Sakkari picked up from where she left off when the action resumed and tightened her grip on the contest with a double break.

But Gauff was not done and the 20-year-old rediscovered her rhythm in the high-octane second set to save three match points and go level at 5-5, eventually forcing a tie break which she dominated to set up a decider.

Ninth seed Sakkari regrouped and showed her quality in the decisive points after swapping breaks with Gauff early in the third set to prevail in the late-night thriller.

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"I don't want to disrespect Coco, but it would have been amazing if this match was over an hour ago," Sakkari said after the epic battle that lasted two hours and 41 minutes. "I'm going to take this win even though it was in three sets. I was thinking of the finish line in the second set and then things got tricky. But that was an amazing win."

"Coco is such an amazing opponent. She's incredible. She fights for every point. I'm just so happy I'm in the final once again here."

Top seed Swiatek earlier produced a near-flawless display in chilly, windy conditions to cruise past Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk 6-2 6-1 and remain on track for her second title of the year.

"For sure I'm happy with the performance. I think it was the cleanest match I played here. The focus was high throughout and I didn't have any doubts," said Swiatek, who has not dropped a set in the Californian desert this year.

"It's already a great tournament."

The 2022 champion made her intentions clear early on with an aggressive start to break for a 2-1 lead and pulled further away when Kostyuk hit a double fault two games later.

The 21-year-old Kostyuk surrendered the opening set in 31 minutes and was put through the wringer again by world number one Swiatek at the start of the second set.

A powerful smash at the net gave Swiatek another break. The four-times Grand Slam champion withstood some pressure from the 31st seed in the next game before building a 3-0 advantage.

Kostyuk appeared to struggle with a left foot problem and a medical timeout only delayed the inevitable, as Swiatek eased to a WTA Tour-leading 19th match win of the season, finishing off the match with a forehand winner.

Maria Sakkari endured a spirited fightback from Coco Gauff to stun the third seed 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2 in a rain-interrupted Indian Wells semi-final on Friday and set up an intriguing rematch of the 2022 title clash with Iga Swiatek.

Maria Sakkari endured a spirited fightback from Coco Gauff to stun the third seed 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2 in a rain-interrupted Indian Wells semi-final on Friday and set up an intriguing rematch of the 2022 title clash with Iga Swiatek. U.S. Open champion Gauff looked far from her best early in the match as Sakkari drew first blood after a short rain delay by breaking the American third seed in the ninth game, before securing the opening set with ease. The players were forced off the court for a longer spell as the showers returned at the start of the second set, but Sakkari picked up from where she left off when the action resumed and tightened her grip on the contest with a double break. But Gauff was not done and the 20-year-old rediscovered her rhythm in the high-octane second set to save three match points and go level at 5-5, eventually forcing a tie break which she dominated to set up a decider. Ninth seed Sakkari regrouped and showed her quality in the decisive points after swapping breaks with Gauff early in the third set to prevail in the late-night thriller. ALSO READ: Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald announces retirement "I don't want to disrespect Coco, but it would have been amazing if this match was over an hour ago," Sakkari said after the epic battle that lasted two hours and 41 minutes. "I'm going to take this win even though it was in three sets. I was thinking of the finish line in the second set and then things got tricky. But that was an amazing win." "Coco is such an amazing opponent. She's incredible. She fights for every point. I'm just so happy I'm in the final once again here." Top seed Swiatek earlier produced a near-flawless display in chilly, windy conditions to cruise past Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk 6-2 6-1 and remain on track for her second title of the year. "For sure I'm happy with the performance. I think it was the cleanest match I played here. The focus was high throughout and I didn't have any doubts," said Swiatek, who has not dropped a set in the Californian desert this year. "It's already a great tournament." The 2022 champion made her intentions clear early on with an aggressive start to break for a 2-1 lead and pulled further away when Kostyuk hit a double fault two games later. The 21-year-old Kostyuk surrendered the opening set in 31 minutes and was put through the wringer again by world number one Swiatek at the start of the second set. A powerful smash at the net gave Swiatek another break. The four-times Grand Slam champion withstood some pressure from the 31st seed in the next game before building a 3-0 advantage. Kostyuk appeared to struggle with a left foot problem and a medical timeout only delayed the inevitable, as Swiatek eased to a WTA Tour-leading 19th match win of the season, finishing off the match with a forehand winner.

Indian Wells 2024: Maria Sakkari stuns Coco Gauff to book summit clash date with Iga Swiatek

Third seed Coco Gauff served up 17 double faults but still managed to beat China's Yuan Yue 6-4 6-3 at Indian Wells on Thursday to reach the semi-finals in the Californian desert for the first time. A day after her 20th birthday, Gauff had to rally from 3-1 down in the second set before setting up a clash with ninth seed Maria Sakkari, who ended American Emma Navarro's run with a 5-7 6-2 6-4 victory.

"I'm really happy to be through today's match," said one-time teen prodigy Gauff. "It wasn't the best style of the serving, but overall I think when it comes to the groundstroke game and returns, everything else, honestly, I played well. I'll just try and take the positives into the next match."

Gauff, who said she celebrated her birthday with steak tacos, saved seven of the 10 break points she faced over the match, including three to avoid going 4-1 down in the second set. "I pretty much just relied on me just out-rallying her and being aggressive," Gauff added. "I think a lot of break points that were saved, at least in that second set, I just remember hitting a lot of forehand winners."

Gauff joined Iga Swiatek and Caroline Wozniacki as the only players to have reached five WTA 1000 semi-finals before the age of 21.

Top seed Swiatek earlier also reached the semi-finals after former world number one Wozniacki retired with a foot injury early in the second set of their quarter-final. Wozniacki started strongly as she raced into a 4-1 lead but she was soon left frustrated as Swiatek produced a barrage of winners to storm back and win the set 6-4.

The Dane, who returned to the circuit last year after taking a three-year break to start a family, had a medical timeout to have her right foot re-strapped at the end of the first set. That failed to improve the situation, however, and she gestured to her opponent that she was unable to continue once Swiatek had taken a 1-0 lead in the second.

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"I have a huge respect for her and I'm sad she has to go that way, I'm sure she will recover and I hope she will be ready for Miami," Swiatek said. "But I'm happy that I played well enough in first set to win it."

Swiatek, the 2022 champion, will face Marta Kostyuk in the semi-finals after the Ukrainian defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-0 7-5. "Let's not put expectations too high," world number 32 Kostyuk said of her meeting with Swiatek. "She's a great competitor, she's been on top of the game for two years already."

Sakkari, who is working with new coach David Witt for the first time at Indian Wells after a patchy run of results, closed out the evening with a comeback win over Navarro to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for a third straight year.

"That was the toughest match I've played in a while," said Sakkari. "Emma is an incredible player ... She's been playing amazing. It's a huge win. I'm very happy I found a way to win this match today."

Third seed Coco Gauff served up 17 double faults but still managed to beat China's Yuan Yue 6-4 6-3 at Indian Wells on Thursday to reach the semi-finals in the Californian desert for the first time.

Third seed Coco Gauff served up 17 double faults but still managed to beat China's Yuan Yue 6-4 6-3 at Indian Wells on Thursday to reach the semi-finals in the Californian desert for the first time. A day after her 20th birthday, Gauff had to rally from 3-1 down in the second set before setting up a clash with ninth seed Maria Sakkari, who ended American Emma Navarro's run with a 5-7 6-2 6-4 victory. "I'm really happy to be through today's match," said one-time teen prodigy Gauff. "It wasn't the best style of the serving, but overall I think when it comes to the groundstroke game and returns, everything else, honestly, I played well. I'll just try and take the positives into the next match." Gauff, who said she celebrated her birthday with steak tacos, saved seven of the 10 break points she faced over the match, including three to avoid going 4-1 down in the second set. "I pretty much just relied on me just out-rallying her and being aggressive," Gauff added. "I think a lot of break points that were saved, at least in that second set, I just remember hitting a lot of forehand winners." Gauff joined Iga Swiatek and Caroline Wozniacki as the only players to have reached five WTA 1000 semi-finals before the age of 21. Top seed Swiatek earlier also reached the semi-finals after former world number one Wozniacki retired with a foot injury early in the second set of their quarter-final. Wozniacki started strongly as she raced into a 4-1 lead but she was soon left frustrated as Swiatek produced a barrage of winners to storm back and win the set 6-4. The Dane, who returned to the circuit last year after taking a three-year break to start a family, had a medical timeout to have her right foot re-strapped at the end of the first set. That failed to improve the situation, however, and she gestured to her opponent that she was unable to continue once Swiatek had taken a 1-0 lead in the second. Also read: Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes bees and Alexander Zverev to advance to Indian Wells semis "I have a huge respect for her and I'm sad she has to go that way, I'm sure she will recover and I hope she will be ready for Miami," Swiatek said. "But I'm happy that I played well enough in first set to win it." Swiatek, the 2022 champion, will face Marta Kostyuk in the semi-finals after the Ukrainian defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-0 7-5. "Let's not put expectations too high," world number 32 Kostyuk said of her meeting with Swiatek. "She's a great competitor, she's been on top of the game for two years already." Sakkari, who is working with new coach David Witt for the first time at Indian Wells after a patchy run of results, closed out the evening with a comeback win over Navarro to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for a third straight year. "That was the toughest match I've played in a while," said Sakkari. "Emma is an incredible player ... She's been playing amazing. It's a huge win. I'm very happy I found a way to win this match today."

Tennis: Error-prone Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek enter Indian Wells semifinals

Top seed Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to set up an Indian Wells quarter-final clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. Swiatek got off to a slow start and saved four break points in the third game before finding her groove. The Pole then raced to a 5-1 lead, prompting Putintseva to throw her racket to the floor in frustration, before wrapping the opener up in less than 30 minutes.

Swiatek, the 2022 champion, made early inroads in the second set and while Putintseva started going for her shots more the 22-year-old world number one proved too strong for her Kazakh opponent. "I knew I had to keep my focus (in the second set), she was trying different stuff out there," said Swiatek, who dropped serve twice in the second frame. "But I just really wanted to play my game and focus on what I want to do. I'm glad I did that."

Wozniacki, who returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family, eased past fellow mother Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 earlier in the day. "She's a really experienced player," Swiatek said of the 2011 champion. "I think she's playing great after her maternity break, she was fighting to come back. "I have huge respect. It's going to be a nice match."

Wozniacki said she was relishing the opportunity to continue her run at Indian Wells, after making the quarters for the first time in four years. "I'm just enjoying myself and I'm just thrilled I get another match in front of all of you guys," she said.

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Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-1 and next meets another Russian in Anastasia Potapova, who beat Jasmine Paolini 7-5 0-6 6-3. Kostyuk dropped only four points on serve in the match and broke Pavlyuchenkova five times to reach her first quarter-final at a WTA 1000 event. Kostyuk had edged Pavlyuchenkova in a three-setter in San Diego earlier this month but had an easier time in their fourth round battle.

"It definitely helped that I played her (recently)," the 21-year-old Kostyuk, who reached the Australian Open quarters in January for her best result at a Grand Slam, told the Tennis Channel. "The conditions were much better for my game here, the ball bounces much higher and it's a bit warmer. I didn't feel like I was in so much trouble like I did in San Diego."

Potapova booked her first trip to the quarter-finals of a Masters event with her win over Dubai champion Paolini, snapping the Italian's eight-match winning streak.

Top seed Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to set up an Indian Wells quarter-final clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki.

Top seed Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to set up an Indian Wells quarter-final clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. Swiatek got off to a slow start and saved four break points in the third game before finding her groove. The Pole then raced to a 5-1 lead, prompting Putintseva to throw her racket to the floor in frustration, before wrapping the opener up in less than 30 minutes. Swiatek, the 2022 champion, made early inroads in the second set and while Putintseva started going for her shots more the 22-year-old world number one proved too strong for her Kazakh opponent. "I knew I had to keep my focus (in the second set), she was trying different stuff out there," said Swiatek, who dropped serve twice in the second frame. "But I just really wanted to play my game and focus on what I want to do. I'm glad I did that." Wozniacki, who returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family, eased past fellow mother Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 earlier in the day. "She's a really experienced player," Swiatek said of the 2011 champion. "I think she's playing great after her maternity break, she was fighting to come back. "I have huge respect. It's going to be a nice match." Wozniacki said she was relishing the opportunity to continue her run at Indian Wells, after making the quarters for the first time in four years. "I'm just enjoying myself and I'm just thrilled I get another match in front of all of you guys," she said. Also read: Rugby: Two-time world champions Australia slump to new low in world rankings as Italy rise Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-1 and next meets another Russian in Anastasia Potapova, who beat Jasmine Paolini 7-5 0-6 6-3. Kostyuk dropped only four points on serve in the match and broke Pavlyuchenkova five times to reach her first quarter-final at a WTA 1000 event. Kostyuk had edged Pavlyuchenkova in a three-setter in San Diego earlier this month but had an easier time in their fourth round battle. "It definitely helped that I played her (recently)," the 21-year-old Kostyuk, who reached the Australian Open quarters in January for her best result at a Grand Slam, told the Tennis Channel. "The conditions were much better for my game here, the ball bounces much higher and it's a bit warmer. I didn't feel like I was in so much trouble like I did in San Diego." Potapova booked her first trip to the quarter-finals of a Masters event with her win over Dubai champion Paolini, snapping the Italian's eight-match winning streak.

Tennis: Poland's Iga Swiatek surges at Indian Wells to book quarterfinal with Caroline Wozniacki

Defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek was on Friday handed a walkover into the Qatar Open final where Elena Rybakina will stand in her way of a third successive title at the Gulf event.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had been scheduled to face Karolina Pliskova in her semi-final.

However, the Czech, who won the Cluj tournament in Romania last weekend, withdrew suffering from a lower back injury.

Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina was stronger at the key moments as she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-4 to reach Saturday's final.

Rybakina, the third seed, converted four of six break points while her unseeded opponent could only exploit one of the nine she had.

"I am happy that in the end I managed to finish the match, playing a little better in these important moments," Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, said in her on-court interview.

Rybakina broke Pavlyuchenkova in the fifth game of the opening set and broke again in the eighth.

Pavlyuchenkova saved three set points in the next game but also squandered a break point of her own before succumbing.

"The first set it was very close, we were both fighting," said Rybakina.

Rybakina broke easily in the second-set opener before holding serve to take a sixth straight game.

Pavlyuchenkova held to end that streak and then had six break points in the next game, but could take none of them.

She finally converted her eighth break point as she came back from 30-0 down in the eighth game. She then held serve as Rybakina wobbled on her forehand.

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With Rybakina serving for the match, Pavlyuchenkova had another break point but hit long. She saved one match point but Rybakina then produced an ace to seal victory.

The 32-year-old Pavlyuchenkova is finding her form again after a long struggle with a knee injury.

"Great to see her back," said Rybakina. "She played really well. It was a really tough match."&nbsp;

On facing Swiatek in the final, she added: "She's a great champion so it is going to be very difficult. But I will try to enjoy it and do as much as possible."

Rybakina is aiming for a third title this year, after winning in Adelaide and last week in Abu Dhabi.

Defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek was on Friday handed a walkover into the Qatar Open final where Elena Rybakina will stand in her way of a third successive title at the Gulf event.

Defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek was on Friday handed a walkover into the Qatar Open final where Elena Rybakina will stand in her way of a third successive title at the Gulf event. Four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had been scheduled to face Karolina Pliskova in her semi-final. However, the Czech, who won the Cluj tournament in Romania last weekend, withdrew suffering from a lower back injury. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina was stronger at the key moments as she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-4 to reach Saturday's final. Rybakina, the third seed, converted four of six break points while her unseeded opponent could only exploit one of the nine she had. "I am happy that in the end I managed to finish the match, playing a little better in these important moments," Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, said in her on-court interview. Rybakina broke Pavlyuchenkova in the fifth game of the opening set and broke again in the eighth. Pavlyuchenkova saved three set points in the next game but also squandered a break point of her own before succumbing. "The first set it was very close, we were both fighting," said Rybakina. Rybakina broke easily in the second-set opener before holding serve to take a sixth straight game. Pavlyuchenkova held to end that streak and then had six break points in the next game, but could take none of them. She finally converted her eighth break point as she came back from 30-0 down in the eighth game. She then held serve as Rybakina wobbled on her forehand. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive With Rybakina serving for the match, Pavlyuchenkova had another break point but hit long. She saved one match point but Rybakina then produced an ace to seal victory. The 32-year-old Pavlyuchenkova is finding her form again after a long struggle with a knee injury. "Great to see her back," said Rybakina. "She played really well. It was a really tough match." On facing Swiatek in the final, she added: "She's a great champion so it is going to be very difficult. But I will try to enjoy it and do as much as possible." Rybakina is aiming for a third title this year, after winning in Adelaide and last week in Abu Dhabi.

Tennis: Iga Swiatek gets walkover into Qatar Open final clash with Rybakina

Carlos Alcaraz sent a chilling warning to his Australian Open rivals on Saturday, outclassing Shang Juncheng before the Chinese teenager was forced to retire.

A day after defending champion Novak Djokovic returned to top form, world number two Alcaraz laid down a marker in a lopsided third-round contest lasting just 66 minutes.

The 20-year-old, playing a tour-level match against a player younger than himself for the first time in his career, was leading 6-1, 6-1, 1-0 when his 18-year-old opponent had to pull out.

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Shang entered the match on Rod Laver Arena with his upper right thigh strapped and received treatment on the injury during the second set.&nbsp;

Dominant Alcaraz did not face a single break point to set up a last-16 meeting with&nbsp;Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic, who saved two match points to beat last year's semi-finalist&nbsp;Tommy Paul&nbsp;6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(9/7), 6-0.

The Spanish second seed is vying with Djokovic for the number one ranking and if they both reach the final it will double as a straight shootout for the top spot.

Alcaraz, who missed last year's tournament at Melbourne Park with an injury, said it was "not the way anybody wants to move on" after the injury to Shang.

"I missed the tournament last year," he said. "I was watching the matches at home from the couch, wishing to play in the second week here."

"This is the first time I have moved to the second week in Australia. It feels special."

In other action on Saturday, women's 12th seed Zheng Qinwen said she was inspired by Chinese great Li Na's win in the 2014 final after she beat compatriot Wang Yafan 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8).

"That final I have watched it more than 10 times, so I have a lot of memories," she said.

"I mean, she was an unbelievable player, the first Asian woman who won the Grand Slam. How can you not remember that."

Men's ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz progressed but former US Open champion Sloane Stephens was beaten by Russia's Anna Kalinskaya.

<h2>Swiatek's 18-match winning streak</h2>

Top women's seed Swiatek is on an 18-match winning run, but she had to dig deep to see off former finalist Danielle Collins in the second round.

On her days off she has witnessed defending champion Aryna Sabalenka pummel her three opponents into submission, for the loss of just six games in total.

The 22-year-old will be keen for a statement win against unseeded Czech Linda Noskova to confirm that she is the player to beat as she hunts a fifth Grand Slam title.

Swiatek, who faced former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round, said her draw was "like the toughest one I ever had".

But she believes she could benefit from her baptism of fire in Melbourne.

"I don't mind actually that it was intense because I remember also when I started the tournament with some easy matches, then I felt I was a little bit rusty when the tough moments came," she said.

Men's third seed Daniil Medvedev is back on court after his gruelling five-set encounter with Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori, which finished at 3:40 am on Friday.

The Russian, a two-time finalist in Melbourne, faces a potentially tough assignment against Canadian 27th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, while sixth seed Alexander Zverev takes on unseeded American Alex Michelsen.

Carlos Alcaraz sent a chilling warning to his Australian Open rivals on Saturday, outclassing Shang Juncheng before the Chinese teenager was forced to retire. A day after defending champion Novak Djokovic returned to top form, world number two Alcaraz laid down a marker in a lopsided third-round contest lasting just 66 minutes.

Carlos Alcaraz sent a chilling warning to his Australian Open rivals on Saturday, outclassing Shang Juncheng before the Chinese teenager was forced to retire. A day after defending champion Novak Djokovic returned to top form, world number two Alcaraz laid down a marker in a lopsided third-round contest lasting just 66 minutes. The 20-year-old, playing a tour-level match against a player younger than himself for the first time in his career, was leading 6-1, 6-1, 1-0 when his 18-year-old opponent had to pull out. Also Read: Teenager Mirra Andreeva reacts to Andy Murray's tweet of appreciation after win over Diane Parry Shang entered the match on Rod Laver Arena with his upper right thigh strapped and received treatment on the injury during the second set. Dominant Alcaraz did not face a single break point to set up a last-16 meeting with Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic, who saved two match points to beat last year's semi-finalist Tommy Paul 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(9/7), 6-0. The Spanish second seed is vying with Djokovic for the number one ranking and if they both reach the final it will double as a straight shootout for the top spot. Alcaraz, who missed last year's tournament at Melbourne Park with an injury, said it was "not the way anybody wants to move on" after the injury to Shang. "I missed the tournament last year," he said. "I was watching the matches at home from the couch, wishing to play in the second week here." "This is the first time I have moved to the second week in Australia. It feels special." In other action on Saturday, women's 12th seed Zheng Qinwen said she was inspired by Chinese great Li Na's win in the 2014 final after she beat compatriot Wang Yafan 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8). "That final I have watched it more than 10 times, so I have a lot of memories," she said. "I mean, she was an unbelievable player, the first Asian woman who won the Grand Slam. How can you not remember that." Men's ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz progressed but former US Open champion Sloane Stephens was beaten by Russia's Anna Kalinskaya. Swiatek's 18-match winning streak Top women's seed Swiatek is on an 18-match winning run, but she had to dig deep to see off former finalist Danielle Collins in the second round. On her days off she has witnessed defending champion Aryna Sabalenka pummel her three opponents into submission, for the loss of just six games in total. The 22-year-old will be keen for a statement win against unseeded Czech Linda Noskova to confirm that she is the player to beat as she hunts a fifth Grand Slam title. Swiatek, who faced former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round, said her draw was "like the toughest one I ever had". But she believes she could benefit from her baptism of fire in Melbourne. "I don't mind actually that it was intense because I remember also when I started the tournament with some easy matches, then I felt I was a little bit rusty when the tough moments came," she said. Men's third seed Daniil Medvedev is back on court after his gruelling five-set encounter with Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori, which finished at 3:40 am on Friday. The Russian, a two-time finalist in Melbourne, faces a potentially tough assignment against Canadian 27th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, while sixth seed Alexander Zverev takes on unseeded American Alex Michelsen.

Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz storms into last 16, sets up clash with Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic

World number one Iga Swiatek's 18-match winning run came to a shuddering halt at the Australian Open on Saturday when she was dumped out in the third round by unseeded Czech teen Linda Noskova.

The Polish top seed appeared en route to the last 16 after taking the first set but lost her way, going down 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 20 minutes to the world number 50.

Just three of the top 10 women's seeds remain in the draw in Melbourne at the end of the first week.

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"I'm speechless," said Noskova, who is at her first Australian Open. "I knew it was going to be an amazing match, but I didn't really think it would end up like this."

"I'm just really glad to get through."

Swiatek, 22, who produced a stunning second-round comeback to beat former finalist Danielle Collins, broke in the sixth game and went on to take the first set in 43 minutes.

Both women faced pressure on their serves in a tight second set and fended off break points until the eighth game, when Noskova broke to love to lead 5-3 before serving out.

Swiatek cracked in the third game of the decider, putting herself in deep trouble, but she hit back immediately after speaking with her coaching team on court.

But she came under pressure on her serve again, saving another break point to edge ahead 3-2.

That proved a temporary stay of execution as she netted with a forehand in the seventh game to give Noskova another break for a 4-3 lead and she held serve for 5-3.

Swiatek held her own serve and then won the first two points as Noskova served for the match. But the Czech player kept her head, producing an ace to set up match point and sealing the deal.

Noskova will face either Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina or Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic next.

World number one Iga Swiatek's 18-match winning run came to a shuddering halt at the Australian Open on Saturday when she was dumped out in the third round by unseeded Czech teen Linda Noskova.

World number one Iga Swiatek's 18-match winning run came to a shuddering halt at the Australian Open on Saturday when she was dumped out in the third round by unseeded Czech teen Linda Noskova. The Polish top seed appeared en route to the last 16 after taking the first set but lost her way, going down 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 20 minutes to the world number 50. Just three of the top 10 women's seeds remain in the draw in Melbourne at the end of the first week. Also Read: Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz storms into last 16 "I'm speechless," said Noskova, who is at her first Australian Open. "I knew it was going to be an amazing match, but I didn't really think it would end up like this." "I'm just really glad to get through." Swiatek, 22, who produced a stunning second-round comeback to beat former finalist Danielle Collins, broke in the sixth game and went on to take the first set in 43 minutes. Both women faced pressure on their serves in a tight second set and fended off break points until the eighth game, when Noskova broke to love to lead 5-3 before serving out. Swiatek cracked in the third game of the decider, putting herself in deep trouble, but she hit back immediately after speaking with her coaching team on court. But she came under pressure on her serve again, saving another break point to edge ahead 3-2. That proved a temporary stay of execution as she netted with a forehand in the seventh game to give Noskova another break for a 4-3 lead and she held serve for 5-3. Swiatek held her own serve and then won the first two points as Noskova served for the match. But the Czech player kept her head, producing an ace to set up match point and sealing the deal. Noskova will face either Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina or Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic next.

Australian Open: Top-seed Iga Swiatek crashes out after losing to Czech teenager Linda Noskova

Former world number seven and Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins announced she would be retiring this season after a close second-round loss to world number one Iga Swiatek at Melbourne Park on Thursday. The 30-year-old American, who had a 4-1 lead in the deciding set but went down 6-4 3-6 6-4 to the four-times Grand Slam champion, said she was sick of the travel and wanted to have a family.

"This is going to be my last season, actually, competing," Collins told reporters after racing off Rod Laver Arena and straight into her press conference. "I don't really know exactly when, but this will be my last season and I'm really looking forward to that."

Her peak ranking of seventh in the world came in 2022 after she had beaten Swiatek in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park before going on to lose to Ash Barty in the final. She also reached the semi-finals in Melbourne in 2019 and the quarter-finals of the French Open the following year.

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"I feel like I've had a pretty good career. There has certainly been ups and downs to it, and I think the travel and some of the things away from the court with scheduling and all of that, this is a really tough sport," Collins told reporters. "I have other things that I'd kind of like to accomplish in my life outside of tennis, and would like to be able to kind of, you know, be able to have the time to be able to do that. Obviously having kids is a big priority for me."

Collins said she was proud of taking Swiatek so close on Thursday and that losing did not sting as much as it had earlier in her career. "I feel like I have kind of gotten to the point where obviously they matter and, you know, my career means a lot to me, but the end of the day, you know, you either win or you lose, and that's all there is to it," she said.

Former world number seven and Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins announced she would be retiring this season after a close second-round loss to world number one Iga Swiatek at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

Former world number seven and Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins announced she would be retiring this season after a close second-round loss to world number one Iga Swiatek at Melbourne Park on Thursday. The 30-year-old American, who had a 4-1 lead in the deciding set but went down 6-4 3-6 6-4 to the four-times Grand Slam champion, said she was sick of the travel and wanted to have a family. "This is going to be my last season, actually, competing," Collins told reporters after racing off Rod Laver Arena and straight into her press conference. "I don't really know exactly when, but this will be my last season and I'm really looking forward to that." Her peak ranking of seventh in the world came in 2022 after she had beaten Swiatek in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park before going on to lose to Ash Barty in the final. She also reached the semi-finals in Melbourne in 2019 and the quarter-finals of the French Open the following year. Also read: Aus Open: Zverev avoids shock upset by qualifier Klein, Swiatek overcomes stiff challenge from Collins "I feel like I've had a pretty good career. There has certainly been ups and downs to it, and I think the travel and some of the things away from the court with scheduling and all of that, this is a really tough sport," Collins told reporters. "I have other things that I'd kind of like to accomplish in my life outside of tennis, and would like to be able to kind of, you know, be able to have the time to be able to do that. Obviously having kids is a big priority for me." Collins said she was proud of taking Swiatek so close on Thursday and that losing did not sting as much as it had earlier in her career. "I feel like I have kind of gotten to the point where obviously they matter and, you know, my career means a lot to me, but the end of the day, you know, you either win or you lose, and that's all there is to it," she said.

Aus Open: Former world number seven Danielle Collins announces impending retirement after second-round loss

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semi-finalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round. Rain forced the 4-1/2-hour contest to be completed under the roof on John Cain Arena and Zverev found himself in huge trouble as world number 163 Klein turned up the pressure after losing the opening set to take the next two.

"I would have much rather won in an hour-and-a-half but what can I do," Zverev said. "He played incredible, was hitting every ball as hard as he could from both sides. I didn't really know what to do a lot of the times. "To be honest, he probably deserved to win more than me. That's how tennis goes sometimes. I'm happy that I'm through but his ranking is no value to how he's playing."

The 25-year-old Klein, whose only previous Grand Slam main draw appearance was at Wimbledon in 2022, was inching towards his first career top-10 win but squandered the chance to break at 4-4 in the fourth set, much to Zverev's relief. "I was thinking there's a Qantas flight at 11 p.m. tonight straight to Dubai and then one to home," Zverev said, adding that he was just a spectator much of the time as Klein reeled off the winners, finishing with 80 in total. "I was playing but the match was his hands, he was playing winners or he was missing ... I'm extremely happy to be honest."

But Klein also made 83 unforced errors, compared to only 36 from Zverev, and that proved to be the difference. Zverev levelled the contest as Klein frittered away a 3-1 lead in the tie-break and the 26-year-old German swapped breaks with his opponent early in the decider before holding his nerve in a tie-break to prevail. "Now I'm in the third round," said Zverev, who will next face American Alex Michelsen. "It's about recovering and being out here on court because that's what I love to do."

In addition, even&nbsp;Norway's Casper Ruud struggled in a see-saw match against local hope Max Purcell, ultimately winning 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 7-6(7) in his second round in the men's draw.

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WORLD NO. 1 SWIATEK ALSO SURVIVES A SCARE

World number one Iga Swiatek battled back from two breaks down in the final set to beat Danielle Collins 6-4 3-6 6-4 on Thursday (January 18) and reach the third round of the Australian Open for the fifth successive year. Collins might be ranked 62nd in the world but has a good record at Melbourne Park and beat Swiatek in the semi-finals two years ago before going on to lose to Ash Barty in the title-decider.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek has an excellent record against lower-ranked players but really had to dig deep into her reserves to overcome Collins in a dramatic but scrappy three-hour contest on Rod Laver Arena. The 30-year-old Collins faltered in her serve at key moments in the match and Swiatek found her best tennis late in the decisive set to move onto a third-round clash with Czech Linda Noskova.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semi-finalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semi-finalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round. Rain forced the 4-1/2-hour contest to be completed under the roof on John Cain Arena and Zverev found himself in huge trouble as world number 163 Klein turned up the pressure after losing the opening set to take the next two. "I would have much rather won in an hour-and-a-half but what can I do," Zverev said. "He played incredible, was hitting every ball as hard as he could from both sides. I didn't really know what to do a lot of the times. "To be honest, he probably deserved to win more than me. That's how tennis goes sometimes. I'm happy that I'm through but his ranking is no value to how he's playing." The 25-year-old Klein, whose only previous Grand Slam main draw appearance was at Wimbledon in 2022, was inching towards his first career top-10 win but squandered the chance to break at 4-4 in the fourth set, much to Zverev's relief. "I was thinking there's a Qantas flight at 11 p.m. tonight straight to Dubai and then one to home," Zverev said, adding that he was just a spectator much of the time as Klein reeled off the winners, finishing with 80 in total. "I was playing but the match was his hands, he was playing winners or he was missing ... I'm extremely happy to be honest." But Klein also made 83 unforced errors, compared to only 36 from Zverev, and that proved to be the difference. Zverev levelled the contest as Klein frittered away a 3-1 lead in the tie-break and the 26-year-old German swapped breaks with his opponent early in the decider before holding his nerve in a tie-break to prevail. "Now I'm in the third round," said Zverev, who will next face American Alex Michelsen. "It's about recovering and being out here on court because that's what I love to do." In addition, even Norway's Casper Ruud struggled in a see-saw match against local hope Max Purcell, ultimately winning 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 7-6(7) in his second round in the men's draw. Also read: Australian Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic enters third round with hard-fought win over Alexei Popyrin WORLD NO. 1 SWIATEK ALSO SURVIVES A SCARE World number one Iga Swiatek battled back from two breaks down in the final set to beat Danielle Collins 6-4 3-6 6-4 on Thursday (January 18) and reach the third round of the Australian Open for the fifth successive year. Collins might be ranked 62nd in the world but has a good record at Melbourne Park and beat Swiatek in the semi-finals two years ago before going on to lose to Ash Barty in the title-decider. Four-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek has an excellent record against lower-ranked players but really had to dig deep into her reserves to overcome Collins in a dramatic but scrappy three-hour contest on Rod Laver Arena. The 30-year-old Collins faltered in her serve at key moments in the match and Swiatek found her best tennis late in the decisive set to move onto a third-round clash with Czech Linda Noskova.

Aus Open: Zverev avoids shock upset by qualifier Klein, Swiatek overcomes stiff challenge from Collins

In-form top seed Iga Swiatek ground past former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets Tuesday to open her campaign for a first title at Melbourne Park.

But it was not easy for the four-time Grand Slam winner, who eventually triumphed 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 after a 1 hour 51 minute slog in draining conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

It was a replay of thee 2020 French Open final that Polish star Swiatek won, and they had not met since.

"Really happy, it's not easy to play the first match, especially the first Grand Slam of the season," said Swiatek, who owns three Roland Garros crowns and another at the US Open.

"Wasn't easy at the beginning to find my rhythm and I felt a little bit off and Sofia did everything to keep it that way.

"I'm happy that I managed to get through the second set."

Victory stretched the 22-year-old's unbeaten streak to 17 matches, the second longest of her career, after she finished 2023 by winning 11 straight in Beijing and Cancun, which took her back to world number one.

She then won five more matches at the United Cup at the start of the new season, meaning she was in imperious touch coming to Melbourne.

There will be no let-up for Swiatek, with a second-round clash against either 2016 Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber or 2022 Melbourne Park finalist Danielle Collins.

Swiatek opened with a serve to love against 2020 champion Kenin, who has slid down the rankings to 41. But the American woke up and broke before holding to surge 3-1 clear. &nbsp;

With her left thigh strapped, Kenin was returning well and her backhand on fire.

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But she wobbled in the sixth game, with back-to-back double faults gifting Swiatek a break back for 3-3.

Undeterred, Kenin earned another break with a searing backhand to move 5-4 ahead only to falter again serving for the set.

It went to a tiebreak, where the top seed stepped up to get over the line after a marathon 68 minutes.

The second set was equally tight until game five, when Kenin slapped a forehand wide to hand Swiatek two break points and she converted when the American pounded a backhand long. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was a killer blow, with Kenin having nothing left in the tank as the world number one sprinted to the finish line.&nbsp;

In-form top seed Iga Swiatek ground past former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets Tuesday to open her campaign for a first title at Melbourne Park.

In-form top seed Iga Swiatek ground past former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets Tuesday to open her campaign for a first title at Melbourne Park. But it was not easy for the four-time Grand Slam winner, who eventually triumphed 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 after a 1 hour 51 minute slog in draining conditions on Rod Laver Arena. It was a replay of thee 2020 French Open final that Polish star Swiatek won, and they had not met since. "Really happy, it's not easy to play the first match, especially the first Grand Slam of the season," said Swiatek, who owns three Roland Garros crowns and another at the US Open. "Wasn't easy at the beginning to find my rhythm and I felt a little bit off and Sofia did everything to keep it that way. "I'm happy that I managed to get through the second set." Victory stretched the 22-year-old's unbeaten streak to 17 matches, the second longest of her career, after she finished 2023 by winning 11 straight in Beijing and Cancun, which took her back to world number one. She then won five more matches at the United Cup at the start of the new season, meaning she was in imperious touch coming to Melbourne. There will be no let-up for Swiatek, with a second-round clash against either 2016 Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber or 2022 Melbourne Park finalist Danielle Collins. Swiatek opened with a serve to love against 2020 champion Kenin, who has slid down the rankings to 41. But the American woke up and broke before holding to surge 3-1 clear. With her left thigh strapped, Kenin was returning well and her backhand on fire. ALSO READ | Unbothered by short-ball stuff and rank-turners, Shreyas Iyer prepares for England Tests But she wobbled in the sixth game, with back-to-back double faults gifting Swiatek a break back for 3-3. Undeterred, Kenin earned another break with a searing backhand to move 5-4 ahead only to falter again serving for the set. It went to a tiebreak, where the top seed stepped up to get over the line after a marathon 68 minutes. The second set was equally tight until game five, when Kenin slapped a forehand wide to hand Swiatek two break points and she converted when the American pounded a backhand long. It was a killer blow, with Kenin having nothing left in the tank as the world number one sprinted to the finish line.

Australian Open: Iga Swiatek battles through tough test against former champion Sofia Kenin

The year’s first Grand Slam is set to take centre stage from 14 January 2024 in Australia’s Melbourne as top tennis stars prepare to claim&nbsp;glory. This year, the Australian Open will have the eyes of the entire world as the former champions Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will stage their return while defending champions Novak Djokovic will eye a place in the history books in what could be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title. Ahead of the big tournament in Melbourne, here is all you need to about the Australian Open 2024.

When does the Australian Open 2024 start?

The Australian Open 2024 starts on Sunday (January 14) in Melbourne.

When will be the final of the Australian Open 2024?

The women’s singles final of the Australian Open 2024 will be played on Saturday (January 27) and the men’s singles final will be played on Sunday (January 28).&nbsp;Finals will be played at the Rod Laver Arena.

How many players will compete in the main draw of Australian 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 Australian Open 2024.

Who are the top seeds in both men’s and women’s department at Australian Open 2024?

Novak Djokovic is likely to be the No.1 seed in men’s singles department while Iga Swiatek is likely to be the No.1 seed in women’s singles in the Australian Open 2024.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-slaps-india-with-point-deduction-for-slow-over-rate-in-centurion-test-shamis-replacement-named-674728">ICC slaps India with point-deduction for slow over-rate in Centurion Test; Shami’s replacement named</a>

Who are the defending champions of Australian Open?

24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic is the defending Australian Open men’s singles champion while Aryna Sabalenka is the defending women’s singles champion at the Australian Open.

When are the draws for the Australian Open 2024?

The draws for the Australian Open 2024 will take place on Thursday (January 11) in Melbourne.

What is the prize money for the Australian Open 2024 winner?

The winner of the Australian Open 2024 in singles category of men’s and women’s department will receive $3.15 million each. The runners-up will receive $1.73 million each.

Which channel will broadcast the Australian Open 2024 in India?

Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 5, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 5&nbsp;HD will broadcast the Australian Open 2024.

Which platform will stream the Australian Open 2024?

The Australian Open 2024 can be streamed live on Sony Liv app.

The year’s first Grand Slam is set to take centre stage from 14 January 2024 in Australia’s Melbourne as top tennis stars prepare to claim glory. This year, the Australian Open will have the eyes of the entire world as the former champions Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will stage their return while defending champions 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 first Grand Slam is set to take centre stage from 14 January 2024 in Australia’s Melbourne as top tennis stars prepare to claim glory. This year, the Australian Open will have the eyes of the entire world as the former champions Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will stage their return while defending champions Novak Djokovic will eye a place in the history books in what could be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title. Ahead of the big tournament in Melbourne, here is all you need to about the Australian Open 2024. When does the Australian Open 2024 start? The Australian Open 2024 starts on Sunday (January 14) in Melbourne. When will be the final of the Australian Open 2024? The women’s singles final of the Australian Open 2024 will be played on Saturday (January 27) and the men’s singles final will be played on Sunday (January 28). Finals will be played at the Rod Laver Arena. How many players will compete in the main draw of Australian 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 Australian Open 2024. Who are the top seeds in both men’s and women’s department at Australian Open 2024? Novak Djokovic is likely to be the No.1 seed in men’s singles department while Iga Swiatek is likely to be the No.1 seed in women’s singles in the Australian Open 2024. ALSO READ | ICC slaps India with point-deduction for slow over-rate in Centurion Test; Shami’s replacement named Who are the defending champions of Australian Open? 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic is the defending Australian Open men’s singles champion while Aryna Sabalenka is the defending women’s singles champion at the Australian Open. When are the draws for the Australian Open 2024? The draws for the Australian Open 2024 will take place on Thursday (January 11) in Melbourne. What is the prize money for the Australian Open 2024 winner? The winner of the Australian Open 2024 in singles category of men’s and women’s department will receive $3.15 million each. The runners-up will receive $1.73 million each. Which channel will broadcast the Australian Open 2024 in India? Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 5, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 5 HD will broadcast the Australian Open 2024. Which platform will stream the Australian Open 2024? The Australian Open 2024 can be streamed live on Sony Liv app.

All you need to know about Australian Open 2024: Defending champions, live streaming, prize money

The 22-year-old Iga Swiatek has been named WTA Player Of The Year for the second successive season. She is the first player to win consecutive awards since 23-Time Grand Slam Serena Williams won four from 2012 to 2015.

World No.1 wins back-to-back WTA Player of the Year Awards

The stage is set for the first-ever Grand Slam of 2024. The Australian Open will kick off on January 14 and the preparations are in full swing. Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will officially mark their return to the Grand Slams, after long gaps, as the entry list for the upcoming 2024 edition is out.&nbsp;Both Nadal and Osaka will make a comeback during the Brisbane International, which will be held ahead of the Australian Open from Jan 1-7.

The Spaniard&nbsp;made his way on the entry list of the Australian Open on the basis of Protected Ranking along with Croatia’s Marin Cilic, Denis Shapovalov (Canada) and Milos Raonic, USA’s Reilly Opelka and Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely. Meanwhile, Osaka was drafted in courtesy of the Special Ranking along with USA’s Jennifer Brady, Amanda Anisimova, Shelby Rogers and Caty McNally, Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Australia’s Ajila Tomlanovic.

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AO 2024 entry lists locked in. Let’s get this show on the road ☑️ 😎 <a href="https://t.co/fXGQluKVKn">https://t.co/fXGQluKVKn</a>
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Nadal will make a comeback&nbsp;after a long gap. He hasn't played any form of tennis since his second-round exit at the Australian Open early this year. He even bowed out of the 2023 French Open, owing to a hip injury, which led&nbsp;to his ouster from the top 100 for the first time in 20 years.&nbsp;

Ahead of his comeback, Nadal said in a video posted on social media, "I don't know at what level (he will play at), I don't know what to expect, I have no idea, but I don't care right now. I'm just happy to be back and with great excitement to make the effort that is necessary to have fun and I believe that I will be competitive."

He further opined, "It's been a long year in which I've gone through many phases, from trying to get back to compete at the clay season, week after week, disappointment after disappointment."

"Of course I have had many doubts, of course there were moments where it seemed impossible that this moment would come, but we've maintained the work, spirit and hope and I think I am ready," the former world number one Nadal added.

Meanwhile, Osaka will return after post-pregnancy after she became&nbsp;a mother&nbsp;in July. The 26-year-old has been away from professional tennis since the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, held in September 2022.

The stage is set for the first-ever Grand Slam of 2024. The Australian Open will kick off on January 14 and the preparations are in full swing. Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will officially mark their return to the Grand Slams, after long gaps, as the entry list for the upcoming 2024 edition is out.

The stage is set for the first-ever Grand Slam of 2024. The Australian Open will kick off on January 14 and the preparations are in full swing. Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will officially mark their return to the Grand Slams, after long gaps, as the entry list for the upcoming 2024 edition is out. Both Nadal and Osaka will make a comeback during the Brisbane International, which will be held ahead of the Australian Open from Jan 1-7. The Spaniard made his way on the entry list of the Australian Open on the basis of Protected Ranking along with Croatia’s Marin Cilic, Denis Shapovalov (Canada) and Milos Raonic, USA’s Reilly Opelka and Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely. Meanwhile, Osaka was drafted in courtesy of the Special Ranking along with USA’s Jennifer Brady, Amanda Anisimova, Shelby Rogers and Caty McNally, Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Australia’s Ajila Tomlanovic. AO 2024 entry lists locked in. Let’s get this show on the road ☑️ 😎 https://t.co/fXGQluKVKn — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 6, 2023 × Also read: Tennis: Rafael Nadal believes he will be 'competitive' in his return Nadal will make a comeback after a long gap. He hasn't played any form of tennis since his second-round exit at the Australian Open early this year. He even bowed out of the 2023 French Open, owing to a hip injury, which led to his ouster from the top 100 for the first time in 20 years. Ahead of his comeback, Nadal said in a video posted on social media, "I don't know at what level (he will play at), I don't know what to expect, I have no idea, but I don't care right now. I'm just happy to be back and with great excitement to make the effort that is necessary to have fun and I believe that I will be competitive." He further opined, "It's been a long year in which I've gone through many phases, from trying to get back to compete at the clay season, week after week, disappointment after disappointment." "Of course I have had many doubts, of course there were moments where it seemed impossible that this moment would come, but we've maintained the work, spirit and hope and I think I am ready," the former world number one Nadal added. Meanwhile, Osaka will return after post-pregnancy after she became a mother in July. The 26-year-old has been away from professional tennis since the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, held in September 2022.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka mark their return as Australian Open announce entry list for 2024 edition

Iga Swiatek erased a 5-2 first set deficit and ultimately rolled to a 7-6(3) 6-0 win over Marketa Vondrousova in the Pole's first match of the group stage of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Monday. After struggling to find her rhythm early on against the big-hitting lefty, Swiatek crushed an overhead to set up a break point, which she converted on her opponent's backhand error to cut the deficit to 5-3 and seize the momentum.

Vondrousova served for the set a second time at 5-4 but Swiatek broke again with a precise backhand winner up the line for 5-5 as she began to take control of the match, constructing points from the baseline and cutting down on her errors. Swiatek completed the first set comeback on a double fault and a disillusioned Vondrousova went quietly in the second set.

Although she defended her title at the French Open for her fourth Grand Slam title, 2023 has been something of a disappointment for Swiatek, who did not get past the quarters of any of the other majors and lost her world number one ranking. She came into her third WTA Finals with a ton of momentum, however, after winning her first WTA 1000 title of the season in Beijing, and has a chance to retake the top spot from Aryna Sabalenka in Cancun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-union-accepts-eddie-jones-resignation-after-rugby-world-cup-debacle-653291">Australia union accepts Eddie Jones resignation after Rugby World Cup debacle</a>

Vondrousova, who made her top-10 debut after emerging as the surprise winner of Wimbledon, is making her first appearance at the season-ending Finals, which features the top eight singles players and doubles teams in the world.

In the other Group B match-up of the evening, American U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff needed just 56 minutes to defeat Ons Jabeur 6-0 6-1 in a rain-delayed clash, making for the fourth straight-set result in the singles tournament so far.

Gauff, who is seeded third in the tournament, will face Swiatek in her next match on Wednesday.

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Iga Swiatek erased a 5-2 first set deficit and ultimately rolled to a 7-6(3) 6-0 win over Marketa Vondrousova in the Pole's first match of the group stage of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Monday.

Iga Swiatek erased a 5-2 first set deficit and ultimately rolled to a 7-6(3) 6-0 win over Marketa Vondrousova in the Pole's first match of the group stage of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Monday. After struggling to find her rhythm early on against the big-hitting lefty, Swiatek crushed an overhead to set up a break point, which she converted on her opponent's backhand error to cut the deficit to 5-3 and seize the momentum. Vondrousova served for the set a second time at 5-4 but Swiatek broke again with a precise backhand winner up the line for 5-5 as she began to take control of the match, constructing points from the baseline and cutting down on her errors. Swiatek completed the first set comeback on a double fault and a disillusioned Vondrousova went quietly in the second set. Although she defended her title at the French Open for her fourth Grand Slam title, 2023 has been something of a disappointment for Swiatek, who did not get past the quarters of any of the other majors and lost her world number one ranking. She came into her third WTA Finals with a ton of momentum, however, after winning her first WTA 1000 title of the season in Beijing, and has a chance to retake the top spot from Aryna Sabalenka in Cancun. Also read: Australia union accepts Eddie Jones resignation after Rugby World Cup debacle Vondrousova, who made her top-10 debut after emerging as the surprise winner of Wimbledon, is making her first appearance at the season-ending Finals, which features the top eight singles players and doubles teams in the world. In the other Group B match-up of the evening, American U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff needed just 56 minutes to defeat Ons Jabeur 6-0 6-1 in a rain-delayed clash, making for the fourth straight-set result in the singles tournament so far. Gauff, who is seeded third in the tournament, will face Swiatek in her next match on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Poland's Iga Swiatek overcomes early deficit to beat Marketa Vondrousova at WTA Finals

World number two Iga Swiatek eased to a WTA Tour-leading fifth title this year by crushing unseeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 6-2 in the China Open final on Sunday to tighten her battle with Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end number one spot.

Swiatek shed tears of joy after her 69-minute masterclass, which left the four-times Grand Slam champion 465 points behind the top-ranked Sabalenka and with a big chance to leapfrog the Belarusian at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.

The season finale, where the top eight singles players and doubles teams in the world face off, begins on Oct. 29.

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Beijing debutant Swiatek was handed the first break of the clash in the sixth game when Samsonova produced a double fault and the 22-year-old then wrapped up the opening set without committing a single unforced error.

Swiatek's superb serve proved to be her biggest weapon as she never faced a break point and raced ahead 4-1 in the second set before sealing the win with ease for her 16th title overall as world number 22 Samsonova made another error at the net.

"I'm very happy. For sure, it was the last thing I expected at the beginning of the tournament," Swiatek said. "This match today, even though the score makes it seem like it was easy, it wasn't. It was really intense and Liudmila put pressure on me.

"I'm happy that I was solid and consistent and till the end I could keep my focus. At the end I felt really grateful for the support I get from my team because the last two weeks were not easy. So, I was happy."

French Open champion Swiatek also became the first player since American Serena Williams to claim five or more titles in successive years. Williams managed the feat in 2014 and 2015.

Swiatek also became the player with the most WTA 1000 titles before turning 23 with six, eclipsing Caroline Wozniacki's five.

The 24-year-old Samsonova said she would have liked to put up more of a fight in the final but was pleased with her display through the tournament.

"It was an amazing week," said Samsonova, whose run to a second WTA 1000 final of the season ensured she will return to the top 20.

"I was in Tokyo last week and not playing my best tennis, but here I showed some decent tennis and I'm happy for this."

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World number two Iga Swiatek eased to a WTA Tour-leading fifth title this year by crushing unseeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 6-2 in the China Open final on Sunday to tighten her battle with Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end number one spot.

World number two Iga Swiatek eased to a WTA Tour-leading fifth title this year by crushing unseeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 6-2 in the China Open final on Sunday to tighten her battle with Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end number one spot. Swiatek shed tears of joy after her 69-minute masterclass, which left the four-times Grand Slam champion 465 points behind the top-ranked Sabalenka and with a big chance to leapfrog the Belarusian at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico. The season finale, where the top eight singles players and doubles teams in the world face off, begins on Oct. 29. ALSO READ: After four failed attempts Turkey set to realise long-term goal with bid to host Euro 2032 Beijing debutant Swiatek was handed the first break of the clash in the sixth game when Samsonova produced a double fault and the 22-year-old then wrapped up the opening set without committing a single unforced error. Swiatek's superb serve proved to be her biggest weapon as she never faced a break point and raced ahead 4-1 in the second set before sealing the win with ease for her 16th title overall as world number 22 Samsonova made another error at the net. "I'm very happy. For sure, it was the last thing I expected at the beginning of the tournament," Swiatek said. "This match today, even though the score makes it seem like it was easy, it wasn't. It was really intense and Liudmila put pressure on me. "I'm happy that I was solid and consistent and till the end I could keep my focus. At the end I felt really grateful for the support I get from my team because the last two weeks were not easy. So, I was happy." French Open champion Swiatek also became the first player since American Serena Williams to claim five or more titles in successive years. Williams managed the feat in 2014 and 2015. Swiatek also became the player with the most WTA 1000 titles before turning 23 with six, eclipsing Caroline Wozniacki's five. The 24-year-old Samsonova said she would have liked to put up more of a fight in the final but was pleased with her display through the tournament. "It was an amazing week," said Samsonova, whose run to a second WTA 1000 final of the season ensured she will return to the top 20. "I was in Tokyo last week and not playing my best tennis, but here I showed some decent tennis and I'm happy for this." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iga Swiatek beats unseeded Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets to win China Open 2023

Iga Swiatek has given her backing to the reintroduction of performance byes during the WTA's Asian swing of events, saying it allowed players who reach the semi-finals of a tournament to rest and prepare for the next one. Under the rule, Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Veronika Kudermetova received byes into the second round of the China Open after reaching the Tokyo semi-finals last week.

Byes are usually reserved for top seeds at events but the performance rule meant world number two Swiatek, who lost in the Tokyo quarters, went into the first round in China. World number one Aryna Sabalenka and number three Coco Gauff also missed out on byes as they had not played since the U.S. Open.

"I didn't really dig into this rule so much because these are the first tournaments that I'm playing where it's possible to get this kind of thing. But it's been on tour for a long time," Swiatek said. "I think it's smart because usually when I had tournaments that I played till the end, I know how it is to rush to another tournament and not have time to rest and prepare. So I think that rule is fine. I think that rule makes sense."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-world-number-three-daniil-medvedev-iga-swiatek-both-through-at-china-open-641780">Tennis: World number three Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek both through at China Open</a>

Sabalenka was less than pleased with the rule, which has been implemented at various times since 2009, saying it was not acceptable for players to receive them for success in lower-tier tournaments instead of those who had earned ranking points in top events. The Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo was a WTA 500 event, while the China Open is a WTA 1000 tournament. "I think you have to earn those byes," she said on Sunday.

Reuters has contacted the WTA for comment. Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open last week citing fitness issues, days after slamming the WTA for the introduction of performance byes at the tournament.

"Performance bye. Thank you for changing the rules last moment. Great decisions as always @wta," she wrote on Instagram. Sakkari and Garcia are both ranked lower than the former Wimbledon champion.

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Iga Swiatek has given her backing to the reintroduction of performance byes during the WTA's Asian swing of events, saying it allowed players who reach the semi-finals of a tournament to rest and prepare for the next one.

Iga Swiatek has given her backing to the reintroduction of performance byes during the WTA's Asian swing of events, saying it allowed players who reach the semi-finals of a tournament to rest and prepare for the next one. Under the rule, Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Veronika Kudermetova received byes into the second round of the China Open after reaching the Tokyo semi-finals last week. Byes are usually reserved for top seeds at events but the performance rule meant world number two Swiatek, who lost in the Tokyo quarters, went into the first round in China. World number one Aryna Sabalenka and number three Coco Gauff also missed out on byes as they had not played since the U.S. Open. "I didn't really dig into this rule so much because these are the first tournaments that I'm playing where it's possible to get this kind of thing. But it's been on tour for a long time," Swiatek said. "I think it's smart because usually when I had tournaments that I played till the end, I know how it is to rush to another tournament and not have time to rest and prepare. So I think that rule is fine. I think that rule makes sense." Also read: Tennis: World number three Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek both through at China Open Sabalenka was less than pleased with the rule, which has been implemented at various times since 2009, saying it was not acceptable for players to receive them for success in lower-tier tournaments instead of those who had earned ranking points in top events. The Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo was a WTA 500 event, while the China Open is a WTA 1000 tournament. "I think you have to earn those byes," she said on Sunday. Reuters has contacted the WTA for comment. Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open last week citing fitness issues, days after slamming the WTA for the introduction of performance byes at the tournament. "Performance bye. Thank you for changing the rules last moment. Great decisions as always @wta," she wrote on Instagram. Sakkari and Garcia are both ranked lower than the former Wimbledon champion. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: World number two Iga Swiatek on board with WTA's performance byes

World number three Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the China Open men's semi-finals with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 victory over France's Ugo Humbert in Beijing on Monday. An error-strewn first set saw a combined five breaks of serve but Medvedev edged ahead in the ninth game and finished it off with an ace.

Both men were more consistent in set two until the Russian, at deuce, hit back-to-back double faults to hand the crucial break to Humbert. But Medvedev finally tightened up in the decider, notching two quickfire breaks before seeing out the match on his serve.

The 27-year-old will battle it out with Germany's Alexander Zverev for a place in the final. Medvedev again attributed the see-saw victory to the match balls, which he has said fluff up too quickly and can lead to lengthy rallies.

"It's very slow," he told a post-match news conference. "(On) any other normal hard court with normal balls, no chance I win the match like this. No chance I would lose my serve so much," he said. "It's great that I managed to still find, in this tough match, these moments of consistency -- which was enough to win."

Zverev, ranked number 10, edged a tight encounter with Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3. World number two and tournament favourite Carlos Alcaraz is due to play his quarter-final against Casper Ruud on Monday evening.

Top-ranked men's player Novak Djokovic is not playing the China tournaments this season.

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<h2>- Swiatek, Gauff progress -</h2>

In the first round of the women's draw, world number two Iga Swiatek defeated Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. The Pole, who recently relinquished her hold on the number-one spot to Aryna Sabalenka, enjoyed considerable success at the net on her way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

Swiatek will play France's Varvara Gracheva in the second round. "I feel like I was pretty patient. You have to be patient with her because she's running for every ball," the 22-year-old said after the match. "I kind of wanted to just be solid and be intensive but not make too many mistakes with risking," she said. "I'm pretty happy I could balance that. It just worked, so I'm happy."

Teenage star Coco Gauff survived a minor scare on the way to a 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova. The US Open champion was 4-0 up but allowed Alexandrova to level before ripping a backhand winner down the line to break serve and take the first set.

She fared better in the second, picking up a break midway through and seeing out the match with ease. World number seven Ons Jabeur beat American Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-4 to set up a second-round match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk.

Sabalenka knocked out former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin on Sunday to seal her spot in the second round. The China Open is taking place for the first time since 2019 after Beijing abandoned its long-standing zero-Covid policy.

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World number three Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the China Open men's semi-finals with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 victory over France's Ugo Humbert in Beijing on Monday.

World number three Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the China Open men's semi-finals with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 victory over France's Ugo Humbert in Beijing on Monday. An error-strewn first set saw a combined five breaks of serve but Medvedev edged ahead in the ninth game and finished it off with an ace. Both men were more consistent in set two until the Russian, at deuce, hit back-to-back double faults to hand the crucial break to Humbert. But Medvedev finally tightened up in the decider, notching two quickfire breaks before seeing out the match on his serve. The 27-year-old will battle it out with Germany's Alexander Zverev for a place in the final. Medvedev again attributed the see-saw victory to the match balls, which he has said fluff up too quickly and can lead to lengthy rallies. "It's very slow," he told a post-match news conference. "(On) any other normal hard court with normal balls, no chance I win the match like this. No chance I would lose my serve so much," he said. "It's great that I managed to still find, in this tough match, these moments of consistency -- which was enough to win." Zverev, ranked number 10, edged a tight encounter with Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3. World number two and tournament favourite Carlos Alcaraz is due to play his quarter-final against Casper Ruud on Monday evening. Top-ranked men's player Novak Djokovic is not playing the China tournaments this season. Also read: Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi ruled out with a fractured eye socket - Swiatek, Gauff progress - In the first round of the women's draw, world number two Iga Swiatek defeated Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. The Pole, who recently relinquished her hold on the number-one spot to Aryna Sabalenka, enjoyed considerable success at the net on her way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory. Swiatek will play France's Varvara Gracheva in the second round. "I feel like I was pretty patient. You have to be patient with her because she's running for every ball," the 22-year-old said after the match. "I kind of wanted to just be solid and be intensive but not make too many mistakes with risking," she said. "I'm pretty happy I could balance that. It just worked, so I'm happy." Teenage star Coco Gauff survived a minor scare on the way to a 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova. The US Open champion was 4-0 up but allowed Alexandrova to level before ripping a backhand winner down the line to break serve and take the first set. She fared better in the second, picking up a break midway through and seeing out the match with ease. World number seven Ons Jabeur beat American Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-4 to set up a second-round match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk. Sabalenka knocked out former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin on Sunday to seal her spot in the second round. The China Open is taking place for the first time since 2019 after Beijing abandoned its long-standing zero-Covid policy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: World number three Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek both through at China Open

Four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek&nbsp;crashed out of the quarter-finals at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Friday, while Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari stormed into the semi-finals. Russia's Veronika Kudermetova, ranked 19th, served four aces and beat world number two Swiatek 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes.

"My service worked really well today," the 26-year-old said after the match.&nbsp;"In the last game, I tried to focus that I need to play point, I don't need to hit the ace and I just need to put the serve in and try to play a rally."

Kudermetova will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ranked 86th, on Saturday. "It'll be an interesting and a very tough match," Kudermetova said. "I played worse," said Swiatek, who lost her number-one ranking at the US Open. "I know the mistakes I made... I know exactly how I should play differently so I'm not going to make these mistakes again," she said.

World number four Pegula of the United States beat 26-year-old Russian Daria Kasatkina, ranked 13th, 6-1, 6-0. "I thought I played a pretty flawless match. Played smart and played aggressive," Pegula said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-spain-france-and-brazil-on-radar-as-sites-for-future-international-games-640852">NFL: Spain, France and Brazil on radar as sites for future international games</a>

She will face world number six Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals, who beat number 10 Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-2. Greece's Sakkari said she has played against Pegula many times and they know each other's game really well. "We never had an easy match. She's very solid and she's a fighter," the 28-year-old said. "It can be very tough but I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing."

Sakkari ended her four-year wait for a second WTA title at the Guadalajara Open last week, where she beat Garcia in the semi-finals en route to lifting the trophy. She had come up empty in six finals since her breakthrough victory in Rabat in 2019. That included the Guadalajara final last year, when she lost to Jessica Pegula, and a loss to US Open champion Coco Gauff in the final of the Washington Open this year.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the quarter-finals at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Friday, while Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari stormed into the semi-finals.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the quarter-finals at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Friday, while Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari stormed into the semi-finals. Russia's Veronika Kudermetova, ranked 19th, served four aces and beat world number two Swiatek 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes. "My service worked really well today," the 26-year-old said after the match. "In the last game, I tried to focus that I need to play point, I don't need to hit the ace and I just need to put the serve in and try to play a rally." Kudermetova will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ranked 86th, on Saturday. "It'll be an interesting and a very tough match," Kudermetova said. "I played worse," said Swiatek, who lost her number-one ranking at the US Open. "I know the mistakes I made... I know exactly how I should play differently so I'm not going to make these mistakes again," she said. World number four Pegula of the United States beat 26-year-old Russian Daria Kasatkina, ranked 13th, 6-1, 6-0. "I thought I played a pretty flawless match. Played smart and played aggressive," Pegula said. Also read: NFL: Spain, France and Brazil on radar as sites for future international games She will face world number six Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals, who beat number 10 Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-2. Greece's Sakkari said she has played against Pegula many times and they know each other's game really well. "We never had an easy match. She's very solid and she's a fighter," the 28-year-old said. "It can be very tough but I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing." Sakkari ended her four-year wait for a second WTA title at the Guadalajara Open last week, where she beat Garcia in the semi-finals en route to lifting the trophy. She had come up empty in six finals since her breakthrough victory in Rabat in 2019. That included the Guadalajara final last year, when she lost to Jessica Pegula, and a loss to US Open champion Coco Gauff in the final of the Washington Open this year.

Maria Sakkari, Jessica Pegula reach Pan Pacific Open semi-finals as Iga Swiatek bows out

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