Iga Swiatek was given a mighty scare by little-known Jule Niemeier on Monday before the Polish top seed finally handed the 108th-ranked German a 2-6 6-4 6-0 reality check in the fourth round of the U.S. Open.

Swiatek, who collected her second Roland Garros title amid a 37-match winning streak earlier this year, barely looked like the world's best player as she sprayed the court with errors to surrender the opening set.

She handed Niemeier a break in the third game of the second set with a clumsy mistake at the net. Sitting on her bench with her towel over her head during the changeover, she loudly smacked her thigh in anger before returning to the court with new resolve, winning the next three games.

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The pair traded breaks twice to close out the second set but Niemeier scarcely put up a fight in the third, producing 14 unforced errors as her game quickly unravelled.

Swiatek, who won in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Rome this year, sounded rattled after the match as her usual legion of Polish supporters rallied around her from the stands.

"I'm just proud that I didn't lose hope," she said in an on-court interview. "I had hard time like pushing her back."

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It is the first time she has reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows. She next faces in-form American Jessica Pegula.

"I'm really happy to play in front of you guys and I hope my matches are going to be good to watch so you're not going to waste your time here," she said.

Iga Swiatek was given a mighty scare by little-known Jule Niemeier on Monday before the Polish top seed finally handed the 108th-ranked German a 2-6 6-4 6-0 reality check in the fourth round of the U.

Iga Swiatek was given a mighty scare by little-known Jule Niemeier on Monday before the Polish top seed finally handed the 108th-ranked German a 2-6 6-4 6-0 reality check in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Swiatek, who collected her second Roland Garros title amid a 37-match winning streak earlier this year, barely looked like the world's best player as she sprayed the court with errors to surrender the opening set. She handed Niemeier a break in the third game of the second set with a clumsy mistake at the net. Sitting on her bench with her towel over her head during the changeover, she loudly smacked her thigh in anger before returning to the court with new resolve, winning the next three games. Also Read: Brilliant Frances Tiafoe sends Rafael Nadal crashing out of US Open The pair traded breaks twice to close out the second set but Niemeier scarcely put up a fight in the third, producing 14 unforced errors as her game quickly unravelled. Swiatek, who won in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Rome this year, sounded rattled after the match as her usual legion of Polish supporters rallied around her from the stands. "I'm just proud that I didn't lose hope," she said in an on-court interview. "I had hard time like pushing her back." Also Read: Davis Cup - Novak Djokovic opts out of Serbia's group stage ties for personal reasons It is the first time she has reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows. She next faces in-form American Jessica Pegula. "I'm really happy to play in front of you guys and I hope my matches are going to be good to watch so you're not going to waste your time here," she said.

World no.1 Iga Swiatek survives surprise test from Jule Niemeier to reach US Open quarters

World number one Iga Swiatek dug her way out of a second set hole to notch a 6-3 6-4 win over American Lauren Davis and reach the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the second straight year.&nbsp;

The French Open champion came out sharp and fired an unreturnable serve out wide to capture the first set before falling behind 4-1 in the second as Davis raised her level.&nbsp;

Despite the deficit the feisty Pole stubbornly refused to drop her first set of the tournament, winning a tense 16-shot rally to set up break points at 4-4, which she converted when Davis whacked a backhand into the net.&nbsp;

In the end, Swiatek's superior serving and relentless defense carried the day against Davis, who plays a similar but less potent brand of tennis as Swiatek.

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The 21-year-old top seed admitted she was not at her best during the two-hour night match on Louis Armstrong Stadium despite reeling off the match's final five games.

"I couldn't find my rhythm today," Swiatek said in an on-court interview.&nbsp;

"She played totally differently than any other player. She played very smart. I'm pretty happy at the end that I could put balls in.&nbsp;

"I'm trying to enjoy every match even when it's not perfect. Just trying to go for it. Trying to find solutions in every situation."

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Swiatek went on a blistering 37-match winning streak earlier this year to claim titles in Roland Garros, Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Rome but cooled off this summer, losing four matches during the hard-court season.&nbsp;

So far in New York she has put to rest any questions about her form and will be the heavy favourite when she takes on Germany's Jule Niemeier on Monday after the Wimbledon quarterfinalist upset China's Qinwen Zheng 6-4 7-6(5) to reach the Round of 16.&nbsp;

World number one Iga Swiatek dug her way out of a second set hole to notch a 6-3 6-4 win over American Lauren Davis and reach the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the second straight year.

World number one Iga Swiatek dug her way out of a second set hole to notch a 6-3 6-4 win over American Lauren Davis and reach the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the second straight year. The French Open champion came out sharp and fired an unreturnable serve out wide to capture the first set before falling behind 4-1 in the second as Davis raised her level. Despite the deficit the feisty Pole stubbornly refused to drop her first set of the tournament, winning a tense 16-shot rally to set up break points at 4-4, which she converted when Davis whacked a backhand into the net. In the end, Swiatek's superior serving and relentless defense carried the day against Davis, who plays a similar but less potent brand of tennis as Swiatek. Also Read: US Open 2022 - Ruthless Rafael Nadal thrashes Richard Gasquet to storm into fourth round The 21-year-old top seed admitted she was not at her best during the two-hour night match on Louis Armstrong Stadium despite reeling off the match's final five games. "I couldn't find my rhythm today," Swiatek said in an on-court interview. "She played totally differently than any other player. She played very smart. I'm pretty happy at the end that I could put balls in. "I'm trying to enjoy every match even when it's not perfect. Just trying to go for it. Trying to find solutions in every situation." Also Read: Serena Williams' unmatched legacy to stand the test of time long after her retirement Swiatek went on a blistering 37-match winning streak earlier this year to claim titles in Roland Garros, Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Rome but cooled off this summer, losing four matches during the hard-court season. So far in New York she has put to rest any questions about her form and will be the heavy favourite when she takes on Germany's Jule Niemeier on Monday after the Wimbledon quarterfinalist upset China's Qinwen Zheng 6-4 7-6(5) to reach the Round of 16.

World no.1 Iga Swiatek tames Lauren Davis to reach US Open fourth round

World no.1 Iga Swiatek has revealed she has always struggled to talk to Serena Williams, who has been an inspiration to her since she was a child. The American legend had recently confirmed she will be retiring from tennis after the upcoming US Open 2022. Williams is currently on her final ATP tour and will be taking part in the upcoming Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek is also set to take part in Cincinnati Open and is eager to meet Williams. The world no.1 was recently asked about the American great amid her farewell tour and the Polish star went on to reveal she has had a hard time trying to catch up with Williams, purely because of her aura.

Swiatek said she just wants to say 'Hi' to Williams but always becomes nervous when she is in front of the 23-Grand Slam champion. The Polish world no.1 said she feels like a child from kindergarten in front of Williams.

“I have a hard time catching eye contact with Serena. And I just wanted to say ‘Hi’ a few times. But it’s tough because she always has so many people around her and I’m pretty shy,” Swiatek told reporters in the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday.

“When I look at her, I suddenly kind of forget that I’m here as the World No. 1. I see Serena and it’s, ‘Wow, Serena!’ You know? And I feel like I’m a kid from kindergarten just looking at her. So it’s tough. I haven’t talked to her, but I’m just trying to say hi," she added.

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Swiatek is aware this can be her final chance to play against Williams and doesn't want to lose out on an opportunity to lock horns with one of the greatest of all time. The Polish star said she wants to experience what it would be like to face Williams from the other side of the court.

“It would be the last chance to play her. I’d love to, if only to see how it is to face her on the other side of the net,” said Swiatek.

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Williams will open her campaign against British teenage sensation Emma Raducanu in the Cincinnati Open on August 17. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will be looking to find her groove ahead of the US Open where she will be gunning for a record 24th Grand Slam singles crown.

&nbsp;

World no.1 Iga Swiatek has revealed she has always struggled to talk to Serena Williams, who has been an inspiration to her since she was a child. The American legend had recently confirmed she will be retiring from tennis after the upcoming US Open 2022.

World no.1 Iga Swiatek has revealed she has always struggled to talk to Serena Williams, who has been an inspiration to her since she was a child. The American legend had recently confirmed she will be retiring from tennis after the upcoming US Open 2022. Williams is currently on her final ATP tour and will be taking part in the upcoming Cincinnati Open. Swiatek is also set to take part in Cincinnati Open and is eager to meet Williams. The world no.1 was recently asked about the American great amid her farewell tour and the Polish star went on to reveal she has had a hard time trying to catch up with Williams, purely because of her aura. Swiatek said she just wants to say 'Hi' to Williams but always becomes nervous when she is in front of the 23-Grand Slam champion. The Polish world no.1 said she feels like a child from kindergarten in front of Williams. “I have a hard time catching eye contact with Serena. And I just wanted to say ‘Hi’ a few times. But it’s tough because she always has so many people around her and I’m pretty shy,” Swiatek told reporters in the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. “When I look at her, I suddenly kind of forget that I’m here as the World No. 1. I see Serena and it’s, ‘Wow, Serena!’ You know? And I feel like I’m a kid from kindergarten just looking at her. So it’s tough. I haven’t talked to her, but I’m just trying to say hi," she added. Also Read: One of the greatest, sad that she is leaving: Rafael Nadal pays tribute to 'inspirational' Serena Williams Swiatek is aware this can be her final chance to play against Williams and doesn't want to lose out on an opportunity to lock horns with one of the greatest of all time. The Polish star said she wants to experience what it would be like to face Williams from the other side of the court. “It would be the last chance to play her. I’d love to, if only to see how it is to face her on the other side of the net,” said Swiatek. Also Read: Will not play more than what I believe works well for my body: Nadal opens up on his abdominal injury Williams will open her campaign against British teenage sensation Emma Raducanu in the Cincinnati Open on August 17. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will be looking to find her groove ahead of the US Open where she will be gunning for a record 24th Grand Slam singles crown.

I feel like I’m a kid from kindergarten: World no.1 Iga Swiatek on feeling shy to say 'hi' to Serena Williams

World No.1 Iga Swiatek and six-time champion Serena Williams are on the packed star-studded entry list for the final Grand Slam event of the season US Open 2022 which commences on August 29.World No.1 claimed the top spot from the list of 104 players who received direct entry into the season`s last major. Swiatek will aim for her second Grand Slam crown of the year after winning the French Open title as part of an amazing 37-match winning streak.

The six-time US Open champion Serena Williams also claimed a spot on the list. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her career, the most by any player, female or male, since the opening of the Open Era in 1968.The current WTA Top 5 are: Swiatek, Anett Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari, Paula Badosa and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur. Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will also make her first appearance at a major as a Grand Slam winner.

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British player Emma Raducanu will return to US Open to defend her title. Last year, British teen sensation Raducanu swept through ten matches without the loss of any set to become the first player, female or male, to win a Grand Slam event as a qualifier. Other Grand Slam champions entered include Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Barbora Krejcikova, Jelena Ostapenko and three-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka.Coco Gauff, this year`s French Open finalist, and Danielle Collins, this season`s Australian Open finalist, are two Americans who will try to go one step further in New York this year.

2018 and 2020 champion Naomi Osaka, 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, and 2017 winner Sloane Stephens are other former US Open titlists in the mix.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek and six-time champion Serena Williams are on the packed star-studded entry list for the final Grand Slam event of the season US Open 2022 which commences on August 29.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek and six-time champion Serena Williams are on the packed star-studded entry list for the final Grand Slam event of the season US Open 2022 which commences on August 29.World No.1 claimed the top spot from the list of 104 players who received direct entry into the season`s last major. Swiatek will aim for her second Grand Slam crown of the year after winning the French Open title as part of an amazing 37-match winning streak. The six-time US Open champion Serena Williams also claimed a spot on the list. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her career, the most by any player, female or male, since the opening of the Open Era in 1968.The current WTA Top 5 are: Swiatek, Anett Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari, Paula Badosa and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur. Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will also make her first appearance at a major as a Grand Slam winner. ALSO READ | ATP Rankings: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest player since Rafael Nadal to storm into top 5 British player Emma Raducanu will return to US Open to defend her title. Last year, British teen sensation Raducanu swept through ten matches without the loss of any set to become the first player, female or male, to win a Grand Slam event as a qualifier. Other Grand Slam champions entered include Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Barbora Krejcikova, Jelena Ostapenko and three-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka.Coco Gauff, this year`s French Open finalist, and Danielle Collins, this season`s Australian Open finalist, are two Americans who will try to go one step further in New York this year. 2018 and 2020 champion Naomi Osaka, 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, and 2017 winner Sloane Stephens are other former US Open titlists in the mix.

US Open: Iga Swiatek, Serena Williams headline entry list for last Grand Slam of 2022

The Iga Swiatek winning machine broke down on a lush Wimbledon lawn on Saturday as the world number one and red-hot favourite for the title was comprehensively beaten 6-4 6-2 by France`s Alize Cornet. There was a sense of disbelief on Court One as Poland`s Swiatek, who had won her last 37 matches over four months, was outplayed by the unseeded 32-year-old.

Even when she fought back from losing the first three games of the match and then also led 2-0 at the start of the second set, top seed Swiatek`s usual confidence was missing. The statistics said it all, with 33 errors off Swiatek`s racket compared to seven by her opponent.

While Swiatek, who dropped a set to lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove in the previous round, was clearly not firing, nothing should be taken away from Cornet who played a near-perfect match.

Cornet is playing in her 62nd successive major, equalling Ai Sugiyama`s record, and will face unseeded Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in a bid to reach her second Grand Slam quarter-final this year, having never achieved that before. She completed her shock victory in one hour 32 minutes, reeling off the last six games as Swiatek disintegrated.

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"It reminds me of when I beat Serena (Williams) here eight years ago on the same court; maybe this court is a lucky charm," said a beaming Cornet, who is ranked 37th in the world.

"I live for this kind of match. It really drives me. I knew I could do it and I had belief because maybe Iga feels a little less comfortable on grass than other surfaces." Williams was also world number one when beaten by Cornet in 2014 and the Frenchwoman rose to the occasion again this time.

She won the opening three games and then held off a Swiatek fightback to pocket the opening set. Swiatek looked as though she had gained some momentum when she went 2-0 ahead in the second set but a forehand into the sidelines gave Cornet a break point.

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Cornet converted when an off-balance backhand deceived Swiatek and landed on the baseline and from that moment on it was one-way traffic.

"I feel like maybe I`m like a good wine; in France a good wine always ages well, that`s what`s happened to me" Cornet said of her return to form this year.

"It`s unreal -- I`m playing one of the best seasons of my career, I feel great on the court. I`m still so motivated and I still have the fire in me."

The Iga Swiatek winning machine broke down on a lush Wimbledon lawn on Saturday as the world number one and red-hot favourite for the title was comprehensively beaten 6-4 6-2 by France`s Alize Cornet.

The Iga Swiatek winning machine broke down on a lush Wimbledon lawn on Saturday as the world number one and red-hot favourite for the title was comprehensively beaten 6-4 6-2 by France`s Alize Cornet. There was a sense of disbelief on Court One as Poland`s Swiatek, who had won her last 37 matches over four months, was outplayed by the unseeded 32-year-old. Even when she fought back from losing the first three games of the match and then also led 2-0 at the start of the second set, top seed Swiatek`s usual confidence was missing. The statistics said it all, with 33 errors off Swiatek`s racket compared to seven by her opponent. While Swiatek, who dropped a set to lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove in the previous round, was clearly not firing, nothing should be taken away from Cornet who played a near-perfect match. Cornet is playing in her 62nd successive major, equalling Ai Sugiyama`s record, and will face unseeded Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in a bid to reach her second Grand Slam quarter-final this year, having never achieved that before. She completed her shock victory in one hour 32 minutes, reeling off the last six games as Swiatek disintegrated. Also Read: Coco Gauff bows out of Wimbledon 2022 after defeat against Amanda Anisimova "It reminds me of when I beat Serena (Williams) here eight years ago on the same court; maybe this court is a lucky charm," said a beaming Cornet, who is ranked 37th in the world. "I live for this kind of match. It really drives me. I knew I could do it and I had belief because maybe Iga feels a little less comfortable on grass than other surfaces." Williams was also world number one when beaten by Cornet in 2014 and the Frenchwoman rose to the occasion again this time. She won the opening three games and then held off a Swiatek fightback to pocket the opening set. Swiatek looked as though she had gained some momentum when she went 2-0 ahead in the second set but a forehand into the sidelines gave Cornet a break point. Also Read: Serena conqueror Harmony Tan crushes Katie Boulter to make last 16 at Wimbledon 2022 Cornet converted when an off-balance backhand deceived Swiatek and landed on the baseline and from that moment on it was one-way traffic. "I feel like maybe I`m like a good wine; in France a good wine always ages well, that`s what`s happened to me" Cornet said of her return to form this year. "It`s unreal -- I`m playing one of the best seasons of my career, I feel great on the court. I`m still so motivated and I still have the fire in me."

Wimbledon 2022: World no.1 Iga Swiatek bows out after being stunned by Alize Cornet in 3rd round

Iga Swiatek has one of the sharpest minds in women`s tennis but admitted she confused herself with her tactics in a shock defeat by Alize Cornet in the Wimbledon third round on Saturday. The Pole was red-hot favourite for the title and was on a 37-match winning streak heading into her clash with Cornet, but hit 33 unforced errors in a dismal 6-4 6-2 defeat.

"What can I say? I know I didn`t play good tennis. I was pretty confused about my tactics," she said. "As a solid player, she used that pretty well. It wasn`t good performance for me."

Swiatek fell 3-0 behind in the opener before finding her feet and was 2-0 ahead in the second set only to lose six successive games and crash out on Court One.

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Asked to explain how she lost the last six games without putting up much resistance, she said: "Usually when I`m coming back, I have some kind of a plan and I know what to change. Here I didn`t know what to change. I was confused.

"On grass court everything happens so quickly. Basically, the thing that I changed this season is I started being more and more aggressive. It was really comfortable for me to have the initiative and be proactive.

"But here I couldn`t control the ball. So I needed to slow down a little bit. Then in the second set, I kind of made few attempts to speed up again, and it didn`t work out."

Twice French Open champion Swiatek had not looked totally comfortable in her opening two rounds and the 21-year-old was taken to three sets on Thursday by lucky loser from qualifying Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove. In the build-up to Wimbledon she did not compete on grass and admits that the surface is still a puzzle.

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"I tried many things to feel better on court, on grass courts, but it didn`t really work out," she said.

"That`s why I`m not even hard on myself because, it`s kind of logic that if I couldn`t find it even on practices, I`m not going to find it in a match."

At the end of a streak that matched Martina Hingis`s in the 1997 season, she said she would look back with pride. 
"Right now even I am satisfied with this streak, so I`m happy that I was able to do that," she said.

Iga Swiatek has one of the sharpest minds in women`s tennis but admitted she confused herself with her tactics in a shock defeat by Alize Cornet in the Wimbledon third round on Saturday.

Iga Swiatek has one of the sharpest minds in women`s tennis but admitted she confused herself with her tactics in a shock defeat by Alize Cornet in the Wimbledon third round on Saturday. The Pole was red-hot favourite for the title and was on a 37-match winning streak heading into her clash with Cornet, but hit 33 unforced errors in a dismal 6-4 6-2 defeat. "What can I say? I know I didn`t play good tennis. I was pretty confused about my tactics," she said. "As a solid player, she used that pretty well. It wasn`t good performance for me." Swiatek fell 3-0 behind in the opener before finding her feet and was 2-0 ahead in the second set only to lose six successive games and crash out on Court One. Also Read: WATCH - Angry Stefanos Tsitsipas tries to hit Nick Kyrgios with wild smash, nearly hits a fan too Asked to explain how she lost the last six games without putting up much resistance, she said: "Usually when I`m coming back, I have some kind of a plan and I know what to change. Here I didn`t know what to change. I was confused. "On grass court everything happens so quickly. Basically, the thing that I changed this season is I started being more and more aggressive. It was really comfortable for me to have the initiative and be proactive. "But here I couldn`t control the ball. So I needed to slow down a little bit. Then in the second set, I kind of made few attempts to speed up again, and it didn`t work out." Twice French Open champion Swiatek had not looked totally comfortable in her opening two rounds and the 21-year-old was taken to three sets on Thursday by lucky loser from qualifying Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove. In the build-up to Wimbledon she did not compete on grass and admits that the surface is still a puzzle. Also Read: Stefanos Tsitsipas calls Nick Kyrgios a 'bully' after feud during Wimbledon 2022 clash, Aussie responds "I tried many things to feel better on court, on grass courts, but it didn`t really work out," she said. "That`s why I`m not even hard on myself because, it`s kind of logic that if I couldn`t find it even on practices, I`m not going to find it in a match." At the end of a streak that matched Martina Hingis`s in the 1997 season, she said she would look back with pride. "Right now even I am satisfied with this streak, so I`m happy that I was able to do that," she said.

'I didn't play good tennis': Iga Swiatek reacts after shock defeat against Alize Cornet at Wimbledon 2022

Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

"Iga Swiatek &amp; Friends for Ukraine", scheduled for July 23 in Poland`s Krakow, will feature a mixed doubles match and a set of singles between Swiatek and compatriot Radwanska. Both matches will be umpired by Ukrainian Svitolina.

"For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war," French Open champion Swiatek said in a statement on social media&nbsp;on Wednesday.

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🇺🇦 Od miesięcy pracowałam z moim zespołem nad inicjatywą pomocową dla Ukrainy, aby realnie wesprzeć tych, którzy cierpią z powodu wojny. 
 
🇺🇦 For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war... 
MORE ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/3MeOI3d1W1">pic.twitter.com/3MeOI3d1W1</a>
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek/status/1542100612619329536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"There will also be a special guest representing Ukraine - former (Ukraine) football player Andriy Shevchenko." Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". Swiatek, who is on a 36-match winning streak, has been vocal about her support for the beleaguered country, sporting a blue and yellow ribbon on her hat in recent months.

The 21-year-old beat Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in her opening round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday and takes on Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove on Thursday.

Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek has teamed up with fellow tennis players Agnieszka Radwanska, Elina Svitolina, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Martyn Pawelski for a one-day special event to raise funds for people affected by Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. "Iga Swiatek & Friends for Ukraine", scheduled for July 23 in Poland`s Krakow, will feature a mixed doubles match and a set of singles between Swiatek and compatriot Radwanska. Both matches will be umpired by Ukrainian Svitolina. "For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war," French Open champion Swiatek said in a statement on social media on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead 🇺🇦 Od miesięcy pracowałam z moim zespołem nad inicjatywą pomocową dla Ukrainy, aby realnie wesprzeć tych, którzy cierpią z powodu wojny. 🇺🇦 For months I have been working with my team on a charity initiative for Ukraine to support those who suffer because of the war... MORE ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/3MeOI3d1W1 — Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) June 29, 2022 × "There will also be a special guest representing Ukraine - former (Ukraine) football player Andriy Shevchenko." Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". Swiatek, who is on a 36-match winning streak, has been vocal about her support for the beleaguered country, sporting a blue and yellow ribbon on her hat in recent months. The 21-year-old beat Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in her opening round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday and takes on Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove on Thursday.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek announces charity event for people affected by Ukraine war

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches. The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day`s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title.

Playing her first match since winning a second French Open title this month, Poland`s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game -- registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year -- despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court. A litany of unforced errors, including a double fault, however, led to Swiatek dropping serve at the start of the second set, allowing the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, to get on the scoreboard.

Swiatek, who played with a ribbon in Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap as she did during her Roland Garros campaign, broke back immediately -- only to hand back the advantage in her next service game. 
The Pole`s struggles with her delivery continued as she had to save five break points to hold serve for the first time in the second set to get to 2-3 and stay in touch with Fett. The hold seemed to spur on Swiatek and she won five games in a row to become the first women`s player in the 21st century to win 36 consecutive matches.

She will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round. "It`s my first match on grass this season so I knew it`s going to be tricky," said the 21-year-old. "At the beginning of the second set I lost my focus little bit and she used that pretty well. 
"I am pretty happy that I came back and I could finish in two sets. I am just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff we were practising. It`s pretty exciting, a new experience for me."

***

Feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios came through a five-set first-round Wimbledon thriller against British wildcard Paul Jubb on Tuesday as his fearsome serve, including 30 aces, eventually overpowered the 22-year-old 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5. It was an unexpectedly testing examination for Kyrgios as the British outsider kept his cool in the face of the Australian`s usual verbal antics, but fell just short.

"It was tough, he had nothing to lose and he played exceptional tennis at times," Kyrgios said. "He`s going to be a good player for sure, I`m just happy to get through. "Playing here is a lot of fun. I talk a lot on the court but off the court I`m not too bad."

Kyrgios looked pretty flat in losing the opening set to a player whose career highlight was winning the U.S. NCAA college title in 2019, and in his frustration he hammered a ball high and out of Court Three. 
Kyrgios is a player the word "chuntering" was invented for as he seems to need to keep up a running monologue to get himself motivated. He took great offence at a single fan uttering an almost polite boo, complaining to the umpire "You don`t accept a hat with two logos on but you accept disrespect of an athlete?".

Kyrgios then complained about a line judge "reporting him" to the umpire. "Not one person has come here today to hear her speak," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-years-finalist-matteo-berrettini-pulls-out-of-wimbledon-2022-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-492612">Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

The chat appeared to energise him as he began to find his range in a strong second set but Jubb refused to lie down, being edged out in the third and going toe to toe to take the fourth on the back of a strong tiebreak. The Briton, in only his second Wimbledon appearance having lost in the first round three years ago, was ice-cool in ignoring any potential distraction from Kyrgios’s running commentary, which included another extended whinge over a non-signalled net cord in the tiebreak.

It is now eight years since Kyrgios stunned then world number one Rafa Nadal to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but he has never matched that since and has reached only one other Grand Slam quarter – in Australia in 2015. The 27-year-old has slipped to world number 40 but his serve remains out of the top drawer, demonstrated when he ripped through the third game of the deciding set to love in 43 seconds before breaking Jubb.

When serving for the set, however, Kyrgios stood back to admire a drop shot, only to be left stranded when Jubb brilliantly ran it down en route to his own break back. Jubb then failed to convert a break point and, serving to take the match to a decisive tiebreak, leaked a couple of shots wide to help Kyrgios secure victory.

***

Coco Gauff made sure she was not thrown off course by the noisy racket created by Nick Kyrgios in a nearby court or by the fact she managed to convert only four of 25 break points as she reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. With Australian hot-head Kyrgios up to his usual antics, yelling at the umpire and involved in heated exchanges with other officials during his first-round match, the commotion from Court Three might have distracted Gauff as she lost the opening seven points to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. 
But despite the inauspicious start, and her growing frustration in failing to convert so many break points, the 11th seed hung tough for 2-1/2 hours to seal a place in round two with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over the little-known Romanian.

"Both of us gave our heart on court today," a beaming Gauff told the crowd after celebrating her win by thumping her chest with a clenched fist. "Court Two is a really, really nice court and I like that it`s intimate as you can hear every gasp and every cheer and I like that. "First round is always tough for me as it`s the most nerve racking... but if I lose I know it`s not the end of the world."

The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club. However, when she lost the opening seven points against Ruse, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraines-anhelina-kalinina-will-use-wimbledon-prize-money-to-rebuild-parents-home-after-it-was-bombed-492518">Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina will use Wimbledon prize money to rebuild parents' home after it was bombed</a>

When Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse`s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family. The popular teenager, who captured the world`s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all. The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff clung on despite continuing to misfire on break points.

She needed six of them to break Ruse`s resolve in the 11th game of the decider and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide. She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches.

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches. The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day`s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title. Playing her first match since winning a second French Open title this month, Poland`s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game -- registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year -- despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court. A litany of unforced errors, including a double fault, however, led to Swiatek dropping serve at the start of the second set, allowing the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, to get on the scoreboard. Swiatek, who played with a ribbon in Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap as she did during her Roland Garros campaign, broke back immediately -- only to hand back the advantage in her next service game. The Pole`s struggles with her delivery continued as she had to save five break points to hold serve for the first time in the second set to get to 2-3 and stay in touch with Fett. The hold seemed to spur on Swiatek and she won five games in a row to become the first women`s player in the 21st century to win 36 consecutive matches. She will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round. "It`s my first match on grass this season so I knew it`s going to be tricky," said the 21-year-old. "At the beginning of the second set I lost my focus little bit and she used that pretty well. "I am pretty happy that I came back and I could finish in two sets. I am just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff we were practising. It`s pretty exciting, a new experience for me." *** Feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios came through a five-set first-round Wimbledon thriller against British wildcard Paul Jubb on Tuesday as his fearsome serve, including 30 aces, eventually overpowered the 22-year-old 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5. It was an unexpectedly testing examination for Kyrgios as the British outsider kept his cool in the face of the Australian`s usual verbal antics, but fell just short. "It was tough, he had nothing to lose and he played exceptional tennis at times," Kyrgios said. "He`s going to be a good player for sure, I`m just happy to get through. "Playing here is a lot of fun. I talk a lot on the court but off the court I`m not too bad." Kyrgios looked pretty flat in losing the opening set to a player whose career highlight was winning the U.S. NCAA college title in 2019, and in his frustration he hammered a ball high and out of Court Three. Kyrgios is a player the word "chuntering" was invented for as he seems to need to keep up a running monologue to get himself motivated. He took great offence at a single fan uttering an almost polite boo, complaining to the umpire "You don`t accept a hat with two logos on but you accept disrespect of an athlete?". Kyrgios then complained about a line judge "reporting him" to the umpire. "Not one person has come here today to hear her speak," he said. ALSO READ | Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19 The chat appeared to energise him as he began to find his range in a strong second set but Jubb refused to lie down, being edged out in the third and going toe to toe to take the fourth on the back of a strong tiebreak. The Briton, in only his second Wimbledon appearance having lost in the first round three years ago, was ice-cool in ignoring any potential distraction from Kyrgios’s running commentary, which included another extended whinge over a non-signalled net cord in the tiebreak. It is now eight years since Kyrgios stunned then world number one Rafa Nadal to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but he has never matched that since and has reached only one other Grand Slam quarter – in Australia in 2015. The 27-year-old has slipped to world number 40 but his serve remains out of the top drawer, demonstrated when he ripped through the third game of the deciding set to love in 43 seconds before breaking Jubb. When serving for the set, however, Kyrgios stood back to admire a drop shot, only to be left stranded when Jubb brilliantly ran it down en route to his own break back. Jubb then failed to convert a break point and, serving to take the match to a decisive tiebreak, leaked a couple of shots wide to help Kyrgios secure victory. *** Coco Gauff made sure she was not thrown off course by the noisy racket created by Nick Kyrgios in a nearby court or by the fact she managed to convert only four of 25 break points as she reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. With Australian hot-head Kyrgios up to his usual antics, yelling at the umpire and involved in heated exchanges with other officials during his first-round match, the commotion from Court Three might have distracted Gauff as she lost the opening seven points to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. But despite the inauspicious start, and her growing frustration in failing to convert so many break points, the 11th seed hung tough for 2-1/2 hours to seal a place in round two with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over the little-known Romanian. "Both of us gave our heart on court today," a beaming Gauff told the crowd after celebrating her win by thumping her chest with a clenched fist. "Court Two is a really, really nice court and I like that it`s intimate as you can hear every gasp and every cheer and I like that. "First round is always tough for me as it`s the most nerve racking... but if I lose I know it`s not the end of the world." The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club. However, when she lost the opening seven points against Ruse, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two. ALSO READ | Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina will use Wimbledon prize money to rebuild parents' home after it was bombed When Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse`s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family. The popular teenager, who captured the world`s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all. The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff clung on despite continuing to misfire on break points. She needed six of them to break Ruse`s resolve in the 11th game of the decider and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide. She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead

Poland's Iga Swiatek has been in rollicking form in the calendar year and beat USA's Coco Gauff without dropping much sweat to claim the women's singles title in the just-concluded 2022 French Open. The world number one was at her very best as she didn't give a single chance to teenager Gauff and claimed the summit clash in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-3.

With the win, Swiatek also equalled&nbsp;the legendary Venus Williams’ record of 35 victories on the trot. After the match, she attended the presser where a question from a journalist left her speechless.&nbsp;

"Outside of the court, when you go to a party, do you use make-up? Do you like to go elegant and smart and so on?” a journalist asked. "Because many players we have seen in the past, they were staying hours in front of the mirror before going on court and using the make-up and you seem very natural like this," the journalist added.

Swiatek was rightly&nbsp;left amused by the absurd query. However, she maintained her composure and responded saying, "OK. Thank you."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-is-not-a-tournament-rafael-nadal-opines-on-future-after-winning-14th-french-open-title-485427">'Wimbledon is not a tournament...': Rafael Nadal opines on future after winning 14th French Open title</a>

Talking about the men's singles finale, Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets as well, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, to clinch his 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall.

Poland's Iga Swiatek has been in rollicking form in the calendar year and beat USA's Coco Gauff without dropping much sweat to claim the women's singles title in the just-concluded 2022 French Open.

Poland's Iga Swiatek has been in rollicking form in the calendar year and beat USA's Coco Gauff without dropping much sweat to claim the women's singles title in the just-concluded 2022 French Open. The world number one was at her very best as she didn't give a single chance to teenager Gauff and claimed the summit clash in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-3. With the win, Swiatek also equalled the legendary Venus Williams’ record of 35 victories on the trot. After the match, she attended the presser where a question from a journalist left her speechless. "Outside of the court, when you go to a party, do you use make-up? Do you like to go elegant and smart and so on?” a journalist asked. "Because many players we have seen in the past, they were staying hours in front of the mirror before going on court and using the make-up and you seem very natural like this," the journalist added. Swiatek was rightly left amused by the absurd query. However, she maintained her composure and responded saying, "OK. Thank you." ALSO READ | 'Wimbledon is not a tournament...': Rafael Nadal opines on future after winning 14th French Open title Talking about the men's singles finale, Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets as well, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, to clinch his 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall.

'Do you use make up?' French Open champion Iga Swiatek responds to absurd question by journalist

American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings on Monday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday. Gauff had never been past the quarterfinals at a major tournament. She made it to the finals of singles and doubles at Roland Garros.

Her doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, moved into the singles top 10 for the first time, going from No. 11 to No. 8, thanks to her run to the quarterfinals. Like Gauff, the 28-year-old from New York lost to Swiatek, who has now won her past 35 matches in a row. Last year's French Open champion in singles and doubles, Barbora Krejcikova, lost in the first round of singles this time only the third woman in the professional era to exit in the first round at Roland Garros a year after earning the trophy and dropped from No. 2 in the rankings to No. 14. She pulled out of the doubles event two days later, saying she tested positive for COVID-19.

The French Open's effect on the rankings for both the WTA and ATP will hold sway longer than usual, because the two professional tours have announced they will not award points this year for Wimbledon, which starts on June 27. That was in response to the All England Club's decision to bar players from Russia and Belarus from the grass-court Grand Slam tournament because of the invasion of Ukraine. 
Rafael Nadal's 14th French Open title, and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall, lifted him one place to No. 4 behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hell-eat-you-alive-casper-on-his-experience-of-playing-vs-french-open-champion-rafael-nadal-in-finale-485575">'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final</a>

Nadal beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals along the way to the final, where he overwhelmed Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday and became, two days after his 36th birthday, the oldest man to win the singles championship at Roland Garros ? all despite needing pain-killing injections for a chronic problem in his left foot.

Nadal has won both of this year's major titles so far, including the Australian Open in January, but his ranking is hurt by his lack of activity over the past 12 months. He played only two matches between the end of the 2021 French Open and the end of last season because of that foot, then missed more time this year because of that issue and a rib injury.

Ruud went up to a career-best No. 6 from No. 8 by reaching his first Grand Slam final.&nbsp;

American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings on Monday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday.

American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings on Monday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday. Gauff had never been past the quarterfinals at a major tournament. She made it to the finals of singles and doubles at Roland Garros. Her doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, moved into the singles top 10 for the first time, going from No. 11 to No. 8, thanks to her run to the quarterfinals. Like Gauff, the 28-year-old from New York lost to Swiatek, who has now won her past 35 matches in a row. Last year's French Open champion in singles and doubles, Barbora Krejcikova, lost in the first round of singles this time only the third woman in the professional era to exit in the first round at Roland Garros a year after earning the trophy and dropped from No. 2 in the rankings to No. 14. She pulled out of the doubles event two days later, saying she tested positive for COVID-19. The French Open's effect on the rankings for both the WTA and ATP will hold sway longer than usual, because the two professional tours have announced they will not award points this year for Wimbledon, which starts on June 27. That was in response to the All England Club's decision to bar players from Russia and Belarus from the grass-court Grand Slam tournament because of the invasion of Ukraine. Rafael Nadal's 14th French Open title, and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall, lifted him one place to No. 4 behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic. ALSO READ | 'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final Nadal beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals along the way to the final, where he overwhelmed Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday and became, two days after his 36th birthday, the oldest man to win the singles championship at Roland Garros ? all despite needing pain-killing injections for a chronic problem in his left foot. Nadal has won both of this year's major titles so far, including the Australian Open in January, but his ranking is hurt by his lack of activity over the past 12 months. He played only two matches between the end of the 2021 French Open and the end of last season because of that foot, then missed more time this year because of that issue and a rib injury. Ruud went up to a career-best No. 6 from No. 8 by reaching his first Grand Slam final.

Teen star Coco Gauff's rises to career-high 13th position; Rafael Nadal at 4th spot after French Open win

Iga Swiatek continued her flawless run at the French Open 2022 on Saturday (May 04) as she defeated Coco Gauff in the final to be crowned as the Roland Garo champion for the second time in her career. It was a dominant performance from the Polish world number one, who demolished 18-year-old Gauff in straight sets to clinch the prestigious title at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris.

Swiatek wrapped up the game inside just 68 minutes to register an emphatic 6-1, 6-3 win over Gauff and extend her unbeaten run to a whopping 35 matches. The Polish star has now equalled Venus Williams' record for the longest winning run in women's tennis in the 21st century. She stands just one win away from surpassing Williams.

Following her incredible performance in the final, Swiatek won the hearts of the fans present at the Court Philippe Chatrier as she sent a strong message for Ukraine in her title-winning speech. The world no.1 urged Ukraine to stay strong amid the ongoing invasion of Russia and was applauded by fans present at the venue.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no1-iga-swiatek-demolishes-coco-gauff-in-straight-sets-to-win-second-french-open-title-485111">World no.1 Iga Swiatek demolishes Coco Gauff in straight sets to win second French Open title</a>

She also received a standing ovation from the supporters after her words on Ukraine. "I wanted to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong, because the war is still there," said Swiatek during her title-winning speech.&nbsp;

"Since I made my speech in Doha (after winning the tournament in February) it had started and I was hoping when I do the next tournament speech the situation will be better but I will still have hope," she added. Swiatek sported a ribbon with the Ukraine flag on her cap throughout the French Open this year.

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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-in-wimbledon-entry-list-roger-federer-and-williams-sisters-absent-485123">Naomi Osaka in Wimbledon entry list, Roger Federer and Williams sisters absent</a>

Earlier this year, Swiatek had expressed her solidarity with the people of Ukraine after winning the Qatar Open title in Doha. She revealed watching pictures of the war from Ukraine had left her emotional and she couldn't imagine people suffering in the country next to her.

"I want to show my support to all the people who are suffering in Ukraine. Seeing those images is really emotional for me. I wouldn't even imagine stuff happening like that in the country next to me," Swiatek had said after winning her fourth career title in Doha. 
&nbsp;

Iga Swiatek continued her flawless run at the French Open 2022 on Saturday (May 04) as she defeated Coco Gauff in the final to be crowned as the Roland Garo champion for the second time in her career.

Iga Swiatek continued her flawless run at the French Open 2022 on Saturday (May 04) as she defeated Coco Gauff in the final to be crowned as the Roland Garo champion for the second time in her career. It was a dominant performance from the Polish world number one, who demolished 18-year-old Gauff in straight sets to clinch the prestigious title at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris. Swiatek wrapped up the game inside just 68 minutes to register an emphatic 6-1, 6-3 win over Gauff and extend her unbeaten run to a whopping 35 matches. The Polish star has now equalled Venus Williams' record for the longest winning run in women's tennis in the 21st century. She stands just one win away from surpassing Williams. Following her incredible performance in the final, Swiatek won the hearts of the fans present at the Court Philippe Chatrier as she sent a strong message for Ukraine in her title-winning speech. The world no.1 urged Ukraine to stay strong amid the ongoing invasion of Russia and was applauded by fans present at the venue. Also Read: World no.1 Iga Swiatek demolishes Coco Gauff in straight sets to win second French Open title She also received a standing ovation from the supporters after her words on Ukraine. "I wanted to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong, because the war is still there," said Swiatek during her title-winning speech. "Since I made my speech in Doha (after winning the tournament in February) it had started and I was hoping when I do the next tournament speech the situation will be better but I will still have hope," she added. Swiatek sported a ribbon with the Ukraine flag on her cap throughout the French Open this year. It's your moment, @iga_swiatek #RolandGarros | pic.twitter.com/NwHIYnGK2L — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2022 × Also Read: Naomi Osaka in Wimbledon entry list, Roger Federer and Williams sisters absent Earlier this year, Swiatek had expressed her solidarity with the people of Ukraine after winning the Qatar Open title in Doha. She revealed watching pictures of the war from Ukraine had left her emotional and she couldn't imagine people suffering in the country next to her. "I want to show my support to all the people who are suffering in Ukraine. Seeing those images is really emotional for me. I wouldn't even imagine stuff happening like that in the country next to me," Swiatek had said after winning her fourth career title in Doha.

WATCH: Iga Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win

Iga Swiatek is unstoppable at the moment and continues to prove why she deserves to be the world&nbsp;no.1. The Polish superstar extended her winning streak to 35 matches with a stunning victory over American Coco Gauff in the women's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Saturday (June 04). It was a brilliant performance from Swiatek, who dominated the proceedings right from the start and demolished Gauff in straight sets to clinch her second French Open title.

Swiatek&nbsp;was always the favourite against 18-year-old Gaufee, who enjoyed a dream run at the French Open this year making it to the final. However, she was no match against the Polish star, who headed into the summit clash on the back of 34 consecutive wins in her last 34 matches. She dominated Gauff to clinch her 35th win on the trot.

Swiatek wrapped up the final inside just 68 minutes to win 6-1, 6-3 against the American at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Saturday. She has now equalled the record of Venus Williams for the longest winning streak by a woman in tennis in the 21st century.

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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/id-prefer-to-lose-the-final-rafael-nadal-ready-to-sacrifice-22nd-grand-slam-title-for-new-left-foot-485045">'I'd prefer to lose the final': Nadal ready to sacrifice 22nd Grand Slam title for new left foot</a>

Swiatek had arrived at the tournament two weeks ago as an overwhelming favourite considering her red hot form. And she proved many right in wit what was a clinical campaign with little or no setbacks. The Polish world no.1 stood tall and soaked in all the pressure to deliver once again on the big stage.

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She has now won the French Open twice in just four years. It has been a remarkable rise for her since her first Roland Garros crown in 2020. She has now won an amazing six titles in a row but there seems no stopping the force that is Swiatek as she looks forward to creating history.

Swiatek has an incredible record at French Open having lost only twice so far in 23 matches at the Roland Garros. She has a win percentage of 91% which is the third-best in the history of the women's tournament. On Saturday, she completely outplayed Gauff on her way to her second title.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-protestor-disrupts-french-open-semi-final-ties-herself-to-the-net-484943">Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net</a>

Swiatek claimed the first set comfortably inside 32 minutes before Gauff bounced back for a bit at the start of the second set. The American teenager raced to a 2-0 lead but Swiatek returned to close the game with perfection and finesse. She wrapped it up 6-3 leaving the American almost teary-eyed at the end.

Swiatek congratulated Gauff and also thanked her team for their support throughout the campaign.&nbsp;"First of all, I just want to congratulate you (Gauff), you're doing an amazing job, I can see each month you're progressing ... When I was your age, I had my first year on tour &amp; I had no idea what I was doing, basically," she said.

Iga Swiatek is unstoppable at the moment and continues to prove why she deserves to be the world no.1. The Polish superstar extended her winning streak to 35 matches with a stunning victory over American Coco Gauff in the women's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Saturday (June 04).

Iga Swiatek is unstoppable at the moment and continues to prove why she deserves to be the world no.1. The Polish superstar extended her winning streak to 35 matches with a stunning victory over American Coco Gauff in the women's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Saturday (June 04). It was a brilliant performance from Swiatek, who dominated the proceedings right from the start and demolished Gauff in straight sets to clinch her second French Open title. Swiatek was always the favourite against 18-year-old Gaufee, who enjoyed a dream run at the French Open this year making it to the final. However, she was no match against the Polish star, who headed into the summit clash on the back of 34 consecutive wins in her last 34 matches. She dominated Gauff to clinch her 35th win on the trot. Swiatek wrapped up the final inside just 68 minutes to win 6-1, 6-3 against the American at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Saturday. She has now equalled the record of Venus Williams for the longest winning streak by a woman in tennis in the 21st century. #RolandGarros | @iga_swiatek pic.twitter.com/0SJCWa4wBg — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2022 × Also Read: 'I'd prefer to lose the final': Nadal ready to sacrifice 22nd Grand Slam title for new left foot Swiatek had arrived at the tournament two weeks ago as an overwhelming favourite considering her red hot form. And she proved many right in wit what was a clinical campaign with little or no setbacks. The Polish world no.1 stood tall and soaked in all the pressure to deliver once again on the big stage. She has now won the French Open twice in just four years. It has been a remarkable rise for her since her first Roland Garros crown in 2020. She has now won an amazing six titles in a row but there seems no stopping the force that is Swiatek as she looks forward to creating history. Swiatek has an incredible record at French Open having lost only twice so far in 23 matches at the Roland Garros. She has a win percentage of 91% which is the third-best in the history of the women's tournament. On Saturday, she completely outplayed Gauff on her way to her second title. Also Read: Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net Swiatek claimed the first set comfortably inside 32 minutes before Gauff bounced back for a bit at the start of the second set. The American teenager raced to a 2-0 lead but Swiatek returned to close the game with perfection and finesse. She wrapped it up 6-3 leaving the American almost teary-eyed at the end. Swiatek congratulated Gauff and also thanked her team for their support throughout the campaign. "First of all, I just want to congratulate you (Gauff), you're doing an amazing job, I can see each month you're progressing ... When I was your age, I had my first year on tour & I had no idea what I was doing, basically," she said.

World no.1 Iga Swiatek demolishes Coco Gauff in straight sets to win second French Open title

Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title. Teenage star Gauff is the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon 18 years ago and only graduated from high school while in Paris.

The 18-year-old has yet to drop a set in the tournament and showed few signs of nerves in her first major semi-final with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Martina Trevisan.

But she is the underdog against Poland's Swiatek, who will equal Venus Williams' record for the longest women's unbeaten run in the 21st century if she lifts the trophy.

"I think going in I have nothing to lose and she's definitely the favourite going into the match on paper," said American Gauff, who burst onto the scene by making the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019.

"I'm just going to play free and play my best tennis. I think in a Grand Slam final anything can happen.

"If I do lift the trophy, honestly, I don't think my life is going to change really. I know it sounds kind of bad to say that, but the people who love me are still going to love me regardless if I lift the trophy or not."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-protestor-disrupts-french-open-semi-final-ties-herself-to-the-net-484943">Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net</a>

Swiatek, who herself only turned 21 on Tuesday, has enjoyed a remarkable season and is looking for a sixth successive title. The 2020 French Open champion's 6-2, 6-1 semi-final thrashing of Daria Kasatkina saw her draw level with Serena Williams' career-best winning streak from 2013.

"It's going to be tough (for her opponent)," said Russian Kasatkina after seeing her run comprehensively ended by the top seed.

"I think the mental part is going to, especially at the beginning, make a big difference.

"It's difficult when the player is moving good and then she can transition to attack mode. Then it makes it really, really tough."

Swiatek has an excellent French Open record and has become the youngest player to win 20 matches at Roland Garros since Martina Hingis in 1999. Four of Swiatek's five tournament victories this year have come at the prestigious WTA 1,000 events, but she says she still has to battle nerves before big matches.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-human-to-feel-sorry-for-alexander-zverev-says-rafael-nadal-after-injury-ends-germans-french-open-bid-484920">It's human to feel sorry for Zverev, says Nadal after injury ends German's French Open bid</a>

"I couldn't get rid of the expectations fully (in the semi-finals), but I tried to accept that, that they are going to be there and it's going to stress me a little bit more," said Swiatek, who is hoping to become the 10th multiple Roland Garros winner in the Open era.

Gauff wrote "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera after her semi-final victory and has said she wants to speak out about issues off the court.

Swiatek, though, does not think she is ready yet to use her profile to talk about political or social issues.

"I don't actually know how I want to use my platform," she said. "I haven't figured it out yet, because it's still pretty new for me.

"I feel like I really have to focus on my tennis first. When I'm going to get more experience in life generally I think it's going to be easier for me to choose the right path."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iga-swiatek-vs-coco-gauff-enrico-piperno-opines-on-high-voltage-french-open-womens-singles-final-484846">Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff: Enrico Piperno opines on high-voltage French Open women's singles final</a>

The Pole has won both of her career meetings with Gauff -- in the 2021 Rome semi-finals and in Miami earlier this year.

"I'm pretty happy that she's doing well, because I think she's also had a huge amount of pressure in her life," Swiatek said of Gauff, who is also into the women's doubles final alongside Jessica Pegula.

"When I see her, I tend to forget that she's 18."

Swiatek says she listens to classic rock music, including Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, before stepping onto court, while Gauff enjoys a hardcore rap playlist.

But there won't be a clash of styles on Court Philippe Chatrier as both players have a game based on hard-hitting from the baseline. With a combined age younger than the injured Serena Williams, this could be the first Grand Slam chapter of a long rivalry at the top of the women's game. 
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Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title.

Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title. Teenage star Gauff is the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon 18 years ago and only graduated from high school while in Paris. The 18-year-old has yet to drop a set in the tournament and showed few signs of nerves in her first major semi-final with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Martina Trevisan. But she is the underdog against Poland's Swiatek, who will equal Venus Williams' record for the longest women's unbeaten run in the 21st century if she lifts the trophy. "I think going in I have nothing to lose and she's definitely the favourite going into the match on paper," said American Gauff, who burst onto the scene by making the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019. "I'm just going to play free and play my best tennis. I think in a Grand Slam final anything can happen. "If I do lift the trophy, honestly, I don't think my life is going to change really. I know it sounds kind of bad to say that, but the people who love me are still going to love me regardless if I lift the trophy or not." Also Read: Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net Swiatek, who herself only turned 21 on Tuesday, has enjoyed a remarkable season and is looking for a sixth successive title. The 2020 French Open champion's 6-2, 6-1 semi-final thrashing of Daria Kasatkina saw her draw level with Serena Williams' career-best winning streak from 2013. "It's going to be tough (for her opponent)," said Russian Kasatkina after seeing her run comprehensively ended by the top seed. "I think the mental part is going to, especially at the beginning, make a big difference. "It's difficult when the player is moving good and then she can transition to attack mode. Then it makes it really, really tough." Swiatek has an excellent French Open record and has become the youngest player to win 20 matches at Roland Garros since Martina Hingis in 1999. Four of Swiatek's five tournament victories this year have come at the prestigious WTA 1,000 events, but she says she still has to battle nerves before big matches. Also Read: It's human to feel sorry for Zverev, says Nadal after injury ends German's French Open bid "I couldn't get rid of the expectations fully (in the semi-finals), but I tried to accept that, that they are going to be there and it's going to stress me a little bit more," said Swiatek, who is hoping to become the 10th multiple Roland Garros winner in the Open era. Gauff wrote "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera after her semi-final victory and has said she wants to speak out about issues off the court. Swiatek, though, does not think she is ready yet to use her profile to talk about political or social issues. "I don't actually know how I want to use my platform," she said. "I haven't figured it out yet, because it's still pretty new for me. "I feel like I really have to focus on my tennis first. When I'm going to get more experience in life generally I think it's going to be easier for me to choose the right path." Also Read: Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff: Enrico Piperno opines on high-voltage French Open women's singles final The Pole has won both of her career meetings with Gauff -- in the 2021 Rome semi-finals and in Miami earlier this year. "I'm pretty happy that she's doing well, because I think she's also had a huge amount of pressure in her life," Swiatek said of Gauff, who is also into the women's doubles final alongside Jessica Pegula. "When I see her, I tend to forget that she's 18." Swiatek says she listens to classic rock music, including Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, before stepping onto court, while Gauff enjoys a hardcore rap playlist. But there won't be a clash of styles on Court Philippe Chatrier as both players have a game based on hard-hitting from the baseline. With a combined age younger than the injured Serena Williams, this could be the first Grand Slam chapter of a long rivalry at the top of the women's game. ×

Coco Gauff has 'nothing to lose' against world no.1 Iga Swiatek in French Open 2022 final

The French Open 2022 edition has lived up to expectations so far. While the competition has intensified in the men's singles, the women's singles are also set to see a marquee finale as world number one Iga Swiatek will square off with teen sensation Coco Gauff.&nbsp;

While American tennis player Gauff is yet to lose a set in her entire campaign, Iga is in peak form since the start of the calendar year and is on a 34-match unbeaten streak. While Gauff thrashed Italy's&nbsp;Martina Trevisan-- beating her&nbsp;6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match -- Swiatek got the better of&nbsp;Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 to storm her way into the summit clash. Thus, the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two young guns in the women's singles at the Roland Garros, on Saturday (June 04).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teenage-sensation-coco-gauff-reacts-to-recent-mass-shootings-in-usa-after-reaching-french-open-final-484693">Teenage sensation Coco Gauff reacts to recent mass shootings in USA after reaching French Open final</a>

Ahead of the clash, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Indian tennis coach Enrico Piperno, who opined on the women's singles finale. On the clash versus the world no. 1 vs no. 23, Piperno said, "Well, Coco came into the scene a couple of years ago. Back then, she had the tools to become a superstar. Gauff is one of those players who doesn't get heat on the court. She is very very spolid. To beat her, you got to really beat her. She seems a lot more relaxed. She has the tools to win the Grand Slam.&nbsp;

Swiatken, on the other hand, has had a terrific streak. But she will have a fall sometime. Is it going to be tomorrow, we will know....It won't be easy for Swiatek. Gauff will not go down very easily. Swiatek will have her hands full," Piperon opined.

In the men's singles, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev are engaged in a mouth-watering semi-final as the birthday boy Nadal is eyeing his 14th title at the Roland Garros. While the tennis fraternity is closely following Nadal's journey, the crowd and tournament favourite, many have eyes glued on the women's singles final as well, which is set to go down to the wire.&nbsp;

The French Open 2022 edition has lived up to expectations so far. While the competition has intensified in the men's singles, the women's singles are also set to see a marquee finale as world number one Iga Swiatek will square off with teen sensation Coco Gauff.

The French Open 2022 edition has lived up to expectations so far. While the competition has intensified in the men's singles, the women's singles are also set to see a marquee finale as world number one Iga Swiatek will square off with teen sensation Coco Gauff. While American tennis player Gauff is yet to lose a set in her entire campaign, Iga is in peak form since the start of the calendar year and is on a 34-match unbeaten streak. While Gauff thrashed Italy's Martina Trevisan-- beating her 6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match -- Swiatek got the better of Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 to storm her way into the summit clash. Thus, the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two young guns in the women's singles at the Roland Garros, on Saturday (June 04). ALSO READ | Teenage sensation Coco Gauff reacts to recent mass shootings in USA after reaching French Open final Ahead of the clash, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Indian tennis coach Enrico Piperno, who opined on the women's singles finale. On the clash versus the world no. 1 vs no. 23, Piperno said, "Well, Coco came into the scene a couple of years ago. Back then, she had the tools to become a superstar. Gauff is one of those players who doesn't get heat on the court. She is very very spolid. To beat her, you got to really beat her. She seems a lot more relaxed. She has the tools to win the Grand Slam. Swiatken, on the other hand, has had a terrific streak. But she will have a fall sometime. Is it going to be tomorrow, we will know....It won't be easy for Swiatek. Gauff will not go down very easily. Swiatek will have her hands full," Piperon opined. In the men's singles, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev are engaged in a mouth-watering semi-final as the birthday boy Nadal is eyeing his 14th title at the Roland Garros. While the tennis fraternity is closely following Nadal's journey, the crowd and tournament favourite, many have eyes glued on the women's singles final as well, which is set to go down to the wire.

Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff: Enrico Piperno opines on high-voltage French Open women's singles final

Iga Swiatek continued her march towards a second French Open title in three years when she demolished Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-1 to reach the final and extend her winning streak to a jaw-dropping 34 on Thursday. The world number one conceded an early break, but made the most of Kasatkina`s string of unforced errors, peppering court Philippe Chatrier with winners.

Poland's Swiatek, the 2020 champion, has not lost since February and has matched Serena Williams' winning run from 2013, having now lost only two sets in her last four tournaments. She will meet either American teenager Coco Gauff, the 18th seed, or Italy`s Martina Trevisan in Saturday`s showdown. 
Swiatek again played with a ribbon in the colours of the Ukrainian flag pinned to her hat against her Russian opponent.

Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to compete at Roland Garros but will have to sit out Wimbledon as All England Club officials barred competitors from the two countries due to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. 
"Pretty special moment. Yeah, I`m really emotional. I`m so grateful to be in this place and you know, be healthy and be able to play my game. It`s amazing and I love playing here," said Swiatek.

"Right after my first year there was COVID and I was not able to see how many Polish people would come. It`s overwhelming. "I try to treat every match the same way. When I realise this is one of the biggest matches of the season, it could stress me out."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rohan-bopanna-matwe-middelkoops-campaign-ends-duo-bow-out-in-mens-double-semi-finals-484469">French Open: Rohan Bopanna-Matwe Middelkoop's campaign ends, duo bow out in men's double semi-finals</a>

Swiatek started with a double fault but held and broke in the second game, only for Kasatkina to break back and level for 2-2. The Russian`s game, however, was riddled with unforced errors and Swiatek collected free points to steal her opponent`s serve again for 4-2. She then won eight points in a row to wrap up the opening set with a crosscourt backhand return that left Kasatkina with her feet stuck on the red dirt. 
Swiatek, looking to become the fourth woman since 2000 - after Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova - to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup twice, kept her foot on the gas to take the early lead in the second set.

But Kasatkina, who had lost all their three encounters in straight sets this season, stemmed the bleeding with a hold for 1-1. It was only a brief relief for the world number 20, who was being bludgeoned by Swiatek`s precise and powerful forehands. The top seed won all the remaining games, allowing a sorry Kasatkina only nine points in the second set, and finished it off with an ace.

Iga Swiatek continued her march towards a second French Open title in three years when she demolished Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-1 to reach the final and extend her winning streak to a jaw-dropping 34 on Thursday.

Iga Swiatek continued her march towards a second French Open title in three years when she demolished Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-1 to reach the final and extend her winning streak to a jaw-dropping 34 on Thursday. The world number one conceded an early break, but made the most of Kasatkina`s string of unforced errors, peppering court Philippe Chatrier with winners. Poland's Swiatek, the 2020 champion, has not lost since February and has matched Serena Williams' winning run from 2013, having now lost only two sets in her last four tournaments. She will meet either American teenager Coco Gauff, the 18th seed, or Italy`s Martina Trevisan in Saturday`s showdown. Swiatek again played with a ribbon in the colours of the Ukrainian flag pinned to her hat against her Russian opponent. Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to compete at Roland Garros but will have to sit out Wimbledon as All England Club officials barred competitors from the two countries due to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. "Pretty special moment. Yeah, I`m really emotional. I`m so grateful to be in this place and you know, be healthy and be able to play my game. It`s amazing and I love playing here," said Swiatek. "Right after my first year there was COVID and I was not able to see how many Polish people would come. It`s overwhelming. "I try to treat every match the same way. When I realise this is one of the biggest matches of the season, it could stress me out." ALSO READ | French Open: Rohan Bopanna-Matwe Middelkoop's campaign ends, duo bow out in men's double semi-finals Swiatek started with a double fault but held and broke in the second game, only for Kasatkina to break back and level for 2-2. The Russian`s game, however, was riddled with unforced errors and Swiatek collected free points to steal her opponent`s serve again for 4-2. She then won eight points in a row to wrap up the opening set with a crosscourt backhand return that left Kasatkina with her feet stuck on the red dirt. Swiatek, looking to become the fourth woman since 2000 - after Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova - to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup twice, kept her foot on the gas to take the early lead in the second set. But Kasatkina, who had lost all their three encounters in straight sets this season, stemmed the bleeding with a hold for 1-1. It was only a brief relief for the world number 20, who was being bludgeoned by Swiatek`s precise and powerful forehands. The top seed won all the remaining games, allowing a sorry Kasatkina only nine points in the second set, and finished it off with an ace.

Ruthless Iga Swiatek destroys Russian Daria Kasatkina to storm into French Open final

World number one Iga Swiatek shook off some early nerves to extend her winning series to a staggering 33 as she beat American Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-2 to book her spot in the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday. Swiatek, who turned 21 on Tuesday, is on the longest unbeaten run in the women`s tour since Serena Williams bagged 34 victories in succession in 2013.

The Polish player, gunning for a second title in three years at Roland Garros, appeared a tad shaky in the initial games before marching past the 11th seed to set up a meeting with Russian Daria Kasatkina for a place in Saturday`s final. The 2020 champion is bidding to become the fourth player since 2000 to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup multiple times after Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

"She was playing very low so to be good I had to be low on my legs. It was the key and I`m pretty happy I was playing with a good dynamic to push her back a little bit," said Swiatek on a sunbathed, yet windswept court Philippe Chatrier. "Sometimes stress is a positive thing, it`s going to make you more active and more tense so you can play a good performance. So I tried to use it that way."

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Two days after dropping her first set of the tournament, Swiatek got off to a fast start, stealing Pegula`s serve with a crosscourt forehand winner. But unforced errors immediately crept up in her game and she was immediately broken back and showed early signs of nerves.

The Pole, however, went up a break again to lead 4-3 before holding and setting up set points in the ninth game. Pegula did her a favour by sending a routine forehand wide on the second. Another of those gave Swiatek a break for 3-1 in the second set and she kept her grip, only squandering three match points before wrapping it up on Pegula`s serve with a booming backhand winner down the line.

World number one Iga Swiatek shook off some early nerves to extend her winning series to a staggering 33 as she beat American Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-2 to book her spot in the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday.

World number one Iga Swiatek shook off some early nerves to extend her winning series to a staggering 33 as she beat American Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-2 to book her spot in the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday. Swiatek, who turned 21 on Tuesday, is on the longest unbeaten run in the women`s tour since Serena Williams bagged 34 victories in succession in 2013. The Polish player, gunning for a second title in three years at Roland Garros, appeared a tad shaky in the initial games before marching past the 11th seed to set up a meeting with Russian Daria Kasatkina for a place in Saturday`s final. The 2020 champion is bidding to become the fourth player since 2000 to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup multiple times after Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. "She was playing very low so to be good I had to be low on my legs. It was the key and I`m pretty happy I was playing with a good dynamic to push her back a little bit," said Swiatek on a sunbathed, yet windswept court Philippe Chatrier. "Sometimes stress is a positive thing, it`s going to make you more active and more tense so you can play a good performance. So I tried to use it that way." ALSO READ | Alexander Zverev outlasts Carlos Alcaraz to enter semi-finals at French Open 2022 Two days after dropping her first set of the tournament, Swiatek got off to a fast start, stealing Pegula`s serve with a crosscourt forehand winner. But unforced errors immediately crept up in her game and she was immediately broken back and showed early signs of nerves. The Pole, however, went up a break again to lead 4-3 before holding and setting up set points in the ninth game. Pegula did her a favour by sending a routine forehand wide on the second. Another of those gave Swiatek a break for 3-1 in the second set and she kept her grip, only squandering three match points before wrapping it up on Pegula`s serve with a booming backhand winner down the line.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek shakes off early nerves to enter French Open semi-finals

World No.1 women`s tennis player Iga Swiatek was stretched all the way by Chinese teenager Zheng Qinwen in the fourth round of the French Open, before the Pole rallied for a three-set win to set up a quarterfinal clash with American Jessica Pegula.

The former winner at Roland Garros dropped her first set in more than a month against Zheng, but rallied for a 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-2 win inside Court Philippe-Chatrier to extend her unbeaten run to 32 consecutive matches.

Swiatek last lost a set on April 23, when she was taken the distance by Liudmila Samsonovaof Russia in the semifinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. She was pushed hard by the 19-year-old Zheng in an opening set that lasted a gruelling 82 minutes.

The Chinese saved five set points, and rallied from 5-2 deficits in both the set and the ensuing tiebreak.

"I tried to loosen up my hand a little bit. She (Zheng) played really good tennis with heavy topspins. The key in the second set was kind of not letting her do that again. I`m pretty happy that I could play a little bit faster and put pressure on her. I felt like I was a little bit in trouble, and I was able to come back and really refocus and find other solutions, so that`s great," conceded Swiatek, the 2020 champion at Roland Garros.

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Zheng seemed to be tiring in the second set after the gruelling first set. After losing the first three games, she took a medical timeout and emerged with her right upper leg heavily wrapped. Zheng revealed after the match that she was dealing with stomach trouble.

"I got really pained stomach and I try my best, but it`s just, in the second and third set, I couldn`t, I didn`t have power to scream one, "Come on," even and it was really tough," Zheng was quoted as saying by wtatennis.com.

"I want to fight, I really, really want to fight, but I just don`t have power and it was really tough. I couldn`t show my tennis today in the second and third set, even in the first set, I`m really not happy with my performance.

"The leg was, it was also tough. That compared to the stomach was easy ... If I don`t talk about today, I`m happy with my performance all this run. To play against the No. 1 in the world, I feel really I enjoy on the court. If I don`t have my stomach, I think I could enjoy more, like to run better and to hit more harder, to give more effort on court.

"It`s pity that I couldn`t give that what I want to give today. I just want, the next time I play against her, I have perfect shape and go for the next fight," added Zheng.

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Following the 2 hour, 45-minute slugfest, Swiatek will face 11th-seeded American Jessica Pegula. Pegula rallied for a three-set win over Romania`s Irina-Camelia Begu, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, to reach the last eight in Paris for the first time.

Pegula had previously never won a set against Begu. The Romanian won their first two meetings, including at the WTA 250 in Melbourne to start this season. She`s one of three American players to reach the quarterfinals, as Sloane Stephens and Coco Gauff will play in the last eight in the bottom half.

World No.1 women`s tennis player Iga Swiatek was stretched all the way by Chinese teenager Zheng Qinwen in the fourth round of the French Open, before the Pole rallied for a three-set win to set up a quarterfinal clash with American Jessica Pegula.

World No.1 women`s tennis player Iga Swiatek was stretched all the way by Chinese teenager Zheng Qinwen in the fourth round of the French Open, before the Pole rallied for a three-set win to set up a quarterfinal clash with American Jessica Pegula. The former winner at Roland Garros dropped her first set in more than a month against Zheng, but rallied for a 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-2 win inside Court Philippe-Chatrier to extend her unbeaten run to 32 consecutive matches. Swiatek last lost a set on April 23, when she was taken the distance by Liudmila Samsonovaof Russia in the semifinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. She was pushed hard by the 19-year-old Zheng in an opening set that lasted a gruelling 82 minutes. The Chinese saved five set points, and rallied from 5-2 deficits in both the set and the ensuing tiebreak. "I tried to loosen up my hand a little bit. She (Zheng) played really good tennis with heavy topspins. The key in the second set was kind of not letting her do that again. I`m pretty happy that I could play a little bit faster and put pressure on her. I felt like I was a little bit in trouble, and I was able to come back and really refocus and find other solutions, so that`s great," conceded Swiatek, the 2020 champion at Roland Garros. Also Read: 'Wish I can be a man': China's Zheng Qinwen dejected after menstrual cramps derail her French Open campaign Zheng seemed to be tiring in the second set after the gruelling first set. After losing the first three games, she took a medical timeout and emerged with her right upper leg heavily wrapped. Zheng revealed after the match that she was dealing with stomach trouble. "I got really pained stomach and I try my best, but it`s just, in the second and third set, I couldn`t, I didn`t have power to scream one, "Come on," even and it was really tough," Zheng was quoted as saying by wtatennis.com. "I want to fight, I really, really want to fight, but I just don`t have power and it was really tough. I couldn`t show my tennis today in the second and third set, even in the first set, I`m really not happy with my performance. "The leg was, it was also tough. That compared to the stomach was easy ... If I don`t talk about today, I`m happy with my performance all this run. To play against the No. 1 in the world, I feel really I enjoy on the court. If I don`t have my stomach, I think I could enjoy more, like to run better and to hit more harder, to give more effort on court. "It`s pity that I couldn`t give that what I want to give today. I just want, the next time I play against her, I have perfect shape and go for the next fight," added Zheng. Also Read: French Open 2022: Marin Cilic knocks out Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev to set up Rublev clash Following the 2 hour, 45-minute slugfest, Swiatek will face 11th-seeded American Jessica Pegula. Pegula rallied for a three-set win over Romania`s Irina-Camelia Begu, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, to reach the last eight in Paris for the first time. Pegula had previously never won a set against Begu. The Romanian won their first two meetings, including at the WTA 250 in Melbourne to start this season. She`s one of three American players to reach the quarterfinals, as Sloane Stephens and Coco Gauff will play in the last eight in the bottom half.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek survives tough three-setter against Zheng Qinwen in French Open quarters

Zheng Qinwen was utterly disappointed and felt she could have done a lot more than what she managed to pull off on the court against world no.1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open 2022 on Monday. Quinwen was up against arguably the best women's tennis player in the world at the moment in the fourth round of the French Open and the Chinese teenager was aiming to give her all in a bid to create a massive upset. However, it wasn't meant to be as she suffered from menstrual cramps which derailed her bid to put up a fight against the world no.1.

Qinwen started off well and took the first set off Swiatek as she looked on the way to staging a massive upset in Paris. The Chinese teenager won the first set in a tiebreak before suffering in pain due to cramps. The Chinese star had to opt for a medical time out midway through the second set when she was 3-0 down against Swiatek.

Quinwen revealed she didn't feel the pain during the first set but the cramps became unbearable in the second set. She was spotted getting her back massaged by the medical support staff before leaving for the locker room and returning with her right thigh strapped.

However, Swiatek had taken control of the game by then and was in her groove. The Polish world no.1 wasted no time in clinching the second set 6-0 before taking the deciding third set 6-2 to end Qinwen's campaign at the French Open 2022.

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Disappointed after being robbed of a chance to perform due to menstrual cramps, the Chinese star revealed she was experiencing a lot of pain in her stomach and wished she could be a man on the court.

"Yeah, the leg was also tough. That compared to the stomach was easy... I cannot play my tennis, (my) stomach was too painful," Quinwen told reporters.

"It`s just girls' things, you know. The first day is always so tough and then I have to do sport and I always have so much pain in the first day. And I couldn`t go against my nature. I wish I can be a man on court, but I cannot in that moment... I really wish I can be (a) man (so) that I don`t have to suffer from this," she added.

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The 19-year-old is currently ranked 70 in the world and has been impressive at a young age. She made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open earlier this year and there has been no looking back ever since for the Chinese teenager. Quinwen said she enjoyed playing against world no.1 Swiatek but would have liked to run better and play with more intensity if not for the cramps.

"If I don't talk about today, I`m happy with my performance (on) this run. And to play against the number one in the world, I felt I really enjoyed (it) on the court," said Quinwen.

"If I don't have my stomach (pain) I think I could enjoy more, like to run better and to hit harder, to give more effort on court. It`s a pity that I couldn`t give what I want to give today. I just want (it so that) next time I play against her, I (am in) perfect shape," she added.

Zheng Qinwen was utterly disappointed and felt she could have done a lot more than what she managed to pull off on the court against world no.1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open 2022 on Monday.

Zheng Qinwen was utterly disappointed and felt she could have done a lot more than what she managed to pull off on the court against world no.1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open 2022 on Monday. Quinwen was up against arguably the best women's tennis player in the world at the moment in the fourth round of the French Open and the Chinese teenager was aiming to give her all in a bid to create a massive upset. However, it wasn't meant to be as she suffered from menstrual cramps which derailed her bid to put up a fight against the world no.1. Qinwen started off well and took the first set off Swiatek as she looked on the way to staging a massive upset in Paris. The Chinese teenager won the first set in a tiebreak before suffering in pain due to cramps. The Chinese star had to opt for a medical time out midway through the second set when she was 3-0 down against Swiatek. Quinwen revealed she didn't feel the pain during the first set but the cramps became unbearable in the second set. She was spotted getting her back massaged by the medical support staff before leaving for the locker room and returning with her right thigh strapped. However, Swiatek had taken control of the game by then and was in her groove. The Polish world no.1 wasted no time in clinching the second set 6-0 before taking the deciding third set 6-2 to end Qinwen's campaign at the French Open 2022. Also Read: French Open - Teenager Holger Rune shows last year's finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas the exit door Disappointed after being robbed of a chance to perform due to menstrual cramps, the Chinese star revealed she was experiencing a lot of pain in her stomach and wished she could be a man on the court. "Yeah, the leg was also tough. That compared to the stomach was easy... I cannot play my tennis, (my) stomach was too painful," Quinwen told reporters. "It`s just girls' things, you know. The first day is always so tough and then I have to do sport and I always have so much pain in the first day. And I couldn`t go against my nature. I wish I can be a man on court, but I cannot in that moment... I really wish I can be (a) man (so) that I don`t have to suffer from this," she added. Also Read: French Open 2022 - Marin Cilic knocks out Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev to set up Rublev clash The 19-year-old is currently ranked 70 in the world and has been impressive at a young age. She made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open earlier this year and there has been no looking back ever since for the Chinese teenager. Quinwen said she enjoyed playing against world no.1 Swiatek but would have liked to run better and play with more intensity if not for the cramps. "If I don't talk about today, I`m happy with my performance (on) this run. And to play against the number one in the world, I felt I really enjoyed (it) on the court," said Quinwen. "If I don't have my stomach (pain) I think I could enjoy more, like to run better and to hit harder, to give more effort on court. It`s a pity that I couldn`t give what I want to give today. I just want (it so that) next time I play against her, I (am in) perfect shape," she added.

'Wish I can be a man': China's Zheng Qinwen dejected after menstrual cramps derail her French Open campaign

Unstoppable World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulled up her 30th consecutive win at the French Open on Thursday as she defeated Alison Riske of America in the second round. The World No.1 Polish completely dominated Riske by 6-0, 6-2 in a two sets victory to reach the third round.Swiatek, the 2020 champion, is on the best streak since Serena Williams`s 34-match winning run in 2013. It took 61 minutes for Swiatek to end Riske`s run in the tournament.

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In the third round, Swiatek will face Danka Kovinic who upset Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. Later, No.7 seed Aryna Sabalenka put on a stunning show as she registered a 6-1, 6-3 win over American Madison Brengle. It only took 62-minute for the No.7 seed to fend off the American challenge as she dominated her opponent in both sets.

Unstoppable World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulled up her 30th consecutive win at the French Open on Thursday as she defeated Alison Riske of America in the second round.

Unstoppable World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulled up her 30th consecutive win at the French Open on Thursday as she defeated Alison Riske of America in the second round. The World No.1 Polish completely dominated Riske by 6-0, 6-2 in a two sets victory to reach the third round.Swiatek, the 2020 champion, is on the best streak since Serena Williams`s 34-match winning run in 2013. It took 61 minutes for Swiatek to end Riske`s run in the tournament. ALSO READ | French Open: Spaniard Rafael Nadal stays on course for possible face-off with Novak Djokovic in quarters In the third round, Swiatek will face Danka Kovinic who upset Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. Later, No.7 seed Aryna Sabalenka put on a stunning show as she registered a 6-1, 6-3 win over American Madison Brengle. It only took 62-minute for the No.7 seed to fend off the American challenge as she dominated her opponent in both sets.

French Open: Unstoppable world No. 1 Iga Swiatek enters R3; Aryna Sabalenka defeats Madison Brengle

Another obstacle on top seed Iga Swiatek`s path to a second French Open title was removed on Wednesday as fourth seed Maria Sakkari was knocked out 7-6(5) 7-6(4) by Czech Karolina Muchova in the second round at Roland Garros. Sakkari, a semi-finalist here last year, never found her groove on Court Suzanne Lenglen as her opponent, who reached the last four at the Australian Open last year, set up a meeting with American Amanda Anisimova.

The Greek is the latest casualty among the top seeds after Tunisia`s Ons Jabeur (6) and defending champion Barbora Krejcikova (2) were knocked out in the first round.

World number one and red hot favourite Swiatek and third seed Paula Badosa are the only two players from the top six left in the women`s draw.

"It`s very special. It was a big fight it was a big test for me, a challenge and I`m happy I won in two sets," said Muchova, whose last 12 months have been hampered by injuries.

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Sakkari, who had showed weaknesses in the first round against French hope Clara Burel, was outplayed initially and fell 5-2 down. Facing two set points at 40-15, she briefly found her range and her opponent got tight, allowing the Greek to reduce the arrears.

Serving for the set, Muchova then double-faulted twice as things went back on serve. Muchova wasted two more set points at 6-5 but she finally bagged the opener with a backhand winner in a tight tiebreak.

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Sakkari dug deep in the second set to recover a break of serve for 4-4 and then saved break points with some powerful groundstrokes as the match headed into a second tiebreak.

Muchova opened a 3-0 lead in the tiebreak but got tight again, allowing her opponent to level for 4-4. 
She regained her poise, however, and wrapped up the win with a forehand winner.

Another obstacle on top seed Iga Swiatek`s path to a second French Open title was removed on Wednesday as fourth seed Maria Sakkari was knocked out 7-6(5) 7-6(4) by Czech Karolina Muchova in the second round at Roland Garros.

Another obstacle on top seed Iga Swiatek`s path to a second French Open title was removed on Wednesday as fourth seed Maria Sakkari was knocked out 7-6(5) 7-6(4) by Czech Karolina Muchova in the second round at Roland Garros. Sakkari, a semi-finalist here last year, never found her groove on Court Suzanne Lenglen as her opponent, who reached the last four at the Australian Open last year, set up a meeting with American Amanda Anisimova. The Greek is the latest casualty among the top seeds after Tunisia`s Ons Jabeur (6) and defending champion Barbora Krejcikova (2) were knocked out in the first round. World number one and red hot favourite Swiatek and third seed Paula Badosa are the only two players from the top six left in the women`s draw. "It`s very special. It was a big fight it was a big test for me, a challenge and I`m happy I won in two sets," said Muchova, whose last 12 months have been hampered by injuries. Also Read: Emma Raducanu's French Open campaign cut-short after loss to Aliaksandra Sasnovich Sakkari, who had showed weaknesses in the first round against French hope Clara Burel, was outplayed initially and fell 5-2 down. Facing two set points at 40-15, she briefly found her range and her opponent got tight, allowing the Greek to reduce the arrears. Serving for the set, Muchova then double-faulted twice as things went back on serve. Muchova wasted two more set points at 6-5 but she finally bagged the opener with a backhand winner in a tight tiebreak. Also Read: French Open: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bids tearful farewell to 18-year-long career after first-round exit Sakkari dug deep in the second set to recover a break of serve for 4-4 and then saved break points with some powerful groundstrokes as the match headed into a second tiebreak. Muchova opened a 3-0 lead in the tiebreak but got tight again, allowing her opponent to level for 4-4. She regained her poise, however, and wrapped up the win with a forehand winner.

French Open 2022: Road opens up for Iga Swiatek as Karolina Muchova defeats Maria Sakkari in 2nd round

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and 13-times winner Rafael Nadal are on a quarter-final collision course at the French Open following the draw on Thursday. World number one Djokovic, back on the Grand Slam scene after being deported from Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open following his decision not to have a COVID-19 vaccination, will start his campaign against Japan`s Yoshihito Nishioka.

He was drawn in the toughest half of the draw with Nadal as well as in-form Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz and world number three Alexander Zverev, who could clash in the last eight. The French Open will operate at full capacity for the first time in three years after the last two tournaments were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. "It`s amazing to see all the fans who have already come here for the qualifications," said Djokovic, who attended the draw ceremony at Roland Garros.

In the lower part of the draw, last year`s runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas faces a tricky first-round match against Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who last year took Djokovic to five sets in the fourth round. World number two Daniil Medvedev could take on compatriot Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals as Russian players have been allowed to compete despite their country`s invasion of Ukraine.

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Wimbledon organisers have decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from taking part in the grasscourt Grand Slam this year. In the women`s draw, hot favourite Iga Swiatek, looking to secure her second French Open title in three years, could face former champion Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16. 
Ostapenko was the last player to beat the Polish world number one before she started her 28-match unbeaten streak, winning five titles before the start of the French Open on Sunday.

Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova is on a last-16 collision course with former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the lower part of the draw. Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the tournament last year after skipping her media duties and citing mental health issues, has been drawn to face American Amanda Anisimova, the 27th seed.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and 13-times winner Rafael Nadal are on a quarter-final collision course at the French Open following the draw on Thursday. World number one Djokovic, back on the Grand Slam scene after being deported from Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open following his decision not to have a COVID-19 vaccination, will start his campaign against Japan`s Yoshihito Nishioka.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and 13-times winner Rafael Nadal are on a quarter-final collision course at the French Open following the draw on Thursday. World number one Djokovic, back on the Grand Slam scene after being deported from Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open following his decision not to have a COVID-19 vaccination, will start his campaign against Japan`s Yoshihito Nishioka. He was drawn in the toughest half of the draw with Nadal as well as in-form Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz and world number three Alexander Zverev, who could clash in the last eight. The French Open will operate at full capacity for the first time in three years after the last two tournaments were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. "It`s amazing to see all the fans who have already come here for the qualifications," said Djokovic, who attended the draw ceremony at Roland Garros. In the lower part of the draw, last year`s runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas faces a tricky first-round match against Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who last year took Djokovic to five sets in the fourth round. World number two Daniil Medvedev could take on compatriot Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals as Russian players have been allowed to compete despite their country`s invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | 'Sunshine double': Novak Djokovic and his 7-year-old son win tournaments on same day Wimbledon organisers have decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from taking part in the grasscourt Grand Slam this year. In the women`s draw, hot favourite Iga Swiatek, looking to secure her second French Open title in three years, could face former champion Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16. Ostapenko was the last player to beat the Polish world number one before she started her 28-match unbeaten streak, winning five titles before the start of the French Open on Sunday. Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova is on a last-16 collision course with former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the lower part of the draw. Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the tournament last year after skipping her media duties and citing mental health issues, has been drawn to face American Amanda Anisimova, the 27th seed.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal could lock horns in French Open quarter-finals

World number one Iga Swiatek retained her Italian Open title after overwhelming Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-2 in Rome on Sunday, clinching her fifth consecutive WTA crown and winning her 28th match in a row. 
Having swept the titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami, Swiatek has now won every WTA 1000 tournament she has contested this season and will be the favourite to add to her 2020 French Open success when the Grand Slam tournament begins next week.

Swiatek outmanoeuvred Jabeur to snap the Tunisian`s 11-match winning streak, which began in her title run in Madrid, to level their head-to-head record at 2-2 after having lost both 2021 meetings at Wimbledon and Cincinnati. "Today I`m going to celebrate with a lot of tiramisu, no regrets," said Poland`s Swiatek, who collapsed on the red clay at Foro Italico and broke down in tears after securing the title.

"I just felt huge relief... I was just really happy that I could cope with all the pressure and expectations so well," she told reporters later. "I have emotional reactions, but this one was probably the most emotional after winning the title. "I mean, why not? It`s a week of tension and stress. Finally letting go (after that), for me that`s okay."

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In the pair`s first meeting on clay, Swiatek was barely troubled by world number seven Jabeur in the opening stages of the match and comfortably held her serve to race into a commanding 3-0 lead. 
Jabeur tested her 20-year-old opponent at 4-2 but Swiatek dug herself out of a 0-30 hole to hold from deuce and take the game before wrapping up the set on her second set point when the Tunisian whipped a forehand into the net.

The second set started off in similar fashion, with Jabeur proving no match for Swiatek`s power and mobility from the baseline as the Pole cruised 4-0 ahead. Jabeur won the next two games and looked set for another but Swiatek held from 0-40 down, saving four break points and closed out the game on her first serve before a backhand into the net from the Tunisian ended her resistance.

"Iga, mentally she was really good. She was always aggressive," Jabeur said. "No matter what the score is, always going forward, putting pressure on the other player. That I think is very important. "Iga is the number one for a reason. She`s really the leader here on tour. I personally have a lot to learn from her. Hopefully we`ll have another match soon."

World number one Iga Swiatek retained her Italian Open title after overwhelming Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-2 in Rome on Sunday, clinching her fifth consecutive WTA crown and winning her 28th match in a row.

World number one Iga Swiatek retained her Italian Open title after overwhelming Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-2 in Rome on Sunday, clinching her fifth consecutive WTA crown and winning her 28th match in a row. Having swept the titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami, Swiatek has now won every WTA 1000 tournament she has contested this season and will be the favourite to add to her 2020 French Open success when the Grand Slam tournament begins next week. Swiatek outmanoeuvred Jabeur to snap the Tunisian`s 11-match winning streak, which began in her title run in Madrid, to level their head-to-head record at 2-2 after having lost both 2021 meetings at Wimbledon and Cincinnati. "Today I`m going to celebrate with a lot of tiramisu, no regrets," said Poland`s Swiatek, who collapsed on the red clay at Foro Italico and broke down in tears after securing the title. "I just felt huge relief... I was just really happy that I could cope with all the pressure and expectations so well," she told reporters later. "I have emotional reactions, but this one was probably the most emotional after winning the title. "I mean, why not? It`s a week of tension and stress. Finally letting go (after that), for me that`s okay." ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic wins Italian Open to claim first title in over six months In the pair`s first meeting on clay, Swiatek was barely troubled by world number seven Jabeur in the opening stages of the match and comfortably held her serve to race into a commanding 3-0 lead. Jabeur tested her 20-year-old opponent at 4-2 but Swiatek dug herself out of a 0-30 hole to hold from deuce and take the game before wrapping up the set on her second set point when the Tunisian whipped a forehand into the net. The second set started off in similar fashion, with Jabeur proving no match for Swiatek`s power and mobility from the baseline as the Pole cruised 4-0 ahead. Jabeur won the next two games and looked set for another but Swiatek held from 0-40 down, saving four break points and closed out the game on her first serve before a backhand into the net from the Tunisian ended her resistance. "Iga, mentally she was really good. She was always aggressive," Jabeur said. "No matter what the score is, always going forward, putting pressure on the other player. That I think is very important. "Iga is the number one for a reason. She`s really the leader here on tour. I personally have a lot to learn from her. Hopefully we`ll have another match soon."

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek retains Italian Open title with 28th straight win

World number one Iga Swiatek extended her winning run to 26 matches with a 7-6(2) 6-0 victory over Bianca Andreescu in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open on Friday. Swiatek, who has put together the longest winning run since Serena Williams racked up 27 straight victories in 2015, will face Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals in Rome.

The 2020 French Open champion is seeking her fifth title this season, having won on hard courts in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and on clay in Stuttgart. Swiatek faced a stern challenge in the opening set from 2019 U.S. Open champion Andreescu, who returned to action last month following a six-month mental health hiatus. Trailing 5-3 and with Swiatek serving for the set, Andreescu broke to stay alive in the contest and forced it to a tiebreak, where the Canadian could not keep up with the top-ranked Pole.

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Swiatek earned a quick double break to lead 3-0 in the second set before holding her serve and breaking Andreescu once again. The 20-year-old eventually handed Andreescu a second-set bagel, wrapping up the match in one hour and 44 minutes. Earlier, Belarusian Sabalenka recovered from a set down to notch her first win over Amanda Anisimova in her fifth attempt, beating the American 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Tunisian Ons Jabeur, who won in Madrid last week, will play Greek fourth seed Maria Sakkari later on Friday and Jil Teichmann will face Daria Kasatkina.

World number one Iga Swiatek extended her winning run to 26 matches with a 7-6(2) 6-0 victory over Bianca Andreescu in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open on Friday.

World number one Iga Swiatek extended her winning run to 26 matches with a 7-6(2) 6-0 victory over Bianca Andreescu in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open on Friday. Swiatek, who has put together the longest winning run since Serena Williams racked up 27 straight victories in 2015, will face Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals in Rome. The 2020 French Open champion is seeking her fifth title this season, having won on hard courts in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and on clay in Stuttgart. Swiatek faced a stern challenge in the opening set from 2019 U.S. Open champion Andreescu, who returned to action last month following a six-month mental health hiatus. Trailing 5-3 and with Swiatek serving for the set, Andreescu broke to stay alive in the contest and forced it to a tiebreak, where the Canadian could not keep up with the top-ranked Pole. ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal reveals foot injury a cause of concern ahead of French Open Swiatek earned a quick double break to lead 3-0 in the second set before holding her serve and breaking Andreescu once again. The 20-year-old eventually handed Andreescu a second-set bagel, wrapping up the match in one hour and 44 minutes. Earlier, Belarusian Sabalenka recovered from a set down to notch her first win over Amanda Anisimova in her fifth attempt, beating the American 4-6 6-3 6-2. Tunisian Ons Jabeur, who won in Madrid last week, will play Greek fourth seed Maria Sakkari later on Friday and Jil Teichmann will face Daria Kasatkina.

Iga Swiatek gets past Bianca Andreescu in Rome to bag 26th consecutive win

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will try to maintain her undefeated record at WTA 1000 events this season at the Italian Open 2022.

The draw for Italian Open 2022 came out Friday with World No.1 Iga Swiatek headlining a field that features 19 of the top 20 players.

It will be the second consecutive WTA Tour 1000 event on the calendar, with main-draw action kicking off Monday.

Swiatek, like all of the Top 8 seeds, has an opening-round bye. In the second round, she will face the winner of an all-American match between Shelby Rogers and Alison Riske.

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Swiatek could face 2013 Rome runner-up Victoria Azarenka in the Round of 16.

The bottom portion of the first quarter is loaded with intriguing matchups.

Two US Open champions will square off in the first round, as reigning US Open titlist Emma Raducanu will face 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in their first meeting.

Whoever prevails will take on the winner of the match between Sara Sorribes Tormo and another former US Open champion, Naomi Osaka.No.3 seed Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to face Madrid finalist

Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16, if seedings hold. Pegula will face big-hitting Liudmila Samsonova in the first round.No.4 seed Maria Sakkari and No.8 seed Garbine Muguruza are the highest seeds in the third quarter.

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Muguruza could potentially play No.9 seed and Madrid finalist Ons Jabeur in the Round of 16.

No.2 seed Paula Badosa is the highest-ranked player in the last quarter of the draw.

She could meet Veronika Kudermetova in the second round. Badosa just beat Kudermetova in the first round of Madrid.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will try to maintain her undefeated record at WTA 1000 events this season at the Italian Open 2022. The draw for Italian Open 2022 came out Friday with World No.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will try to maintain her undefeated record at WTA 1000 events this season at the Italian Open 2022. The draw for Italian Open 2022 came out Friday with World No.1 Iga Swiatek headlining a field that features 19 of the top 20 players. It will be the second consecutive WTA Tour 1000 event on the calendar, with main-draw action kicking off Monday. Swiatek, like all of the Top 8 seeds, has an opening-round bye. In the second round, she will face the winner of an all-American match between Shelby Rogers and Alison Riske. Also read | IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win LSG vs KKR encounter? Swiatek could face 2013 Rome runner-up Victoria Azarenka in the Round of 16. The bottom portion of the first quarter is loaded with intriguing matchups. Two US Open champions will square off in the first round, as reigning US Open titlist Emma Raducanu will face 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in their first meeting. Whoever prevails will take on the winner of the match between Sara Sorribes Tormo and another former US Open champion, Naomi Osaka.No.3 seed Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to face Madrid finalist Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16, if seedings hold. Pegula will face big-hitting Liudmila Samsonova in the first round.No.4 seed Maria Sakkari and No.8 seed Garbine Muguruza are the highest seeds in the third quarter. Also read | Warner partied more than he practiced: Sehwag on Aussie star's debut IPL stint Muguruza could potentially play No.9 seed and Madrid finalist Ons Jabeur in the Round of 16. No.2 seed Paula Badosa is the highest-ranked player in the last quarter of the draw. She could meet Veronika Kudermetova in the second round. Badosa just beat Kudermetova in the first round of Madrid.

Italian Open 2022: Iga Swiatek top seed, Bianca Andreescu to face Emma Raducanu in Round1

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury, the Women`s Tennis Association said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old from Poland is on a 23-match winning streak and picked up her fourth consecutive title on Sunday when she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final.

"After intense last weeks and winning four titles in a row it`s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven`t had a chance to handle it properly," Swiatek said in a Twitter post.

"I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that`s why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw."

Swiatek, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2020, was scheduled to open her campaign against a qualifier at the WTA 1000 event on clay in Madrid, the main draw of which starts on Thursday.

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Before Stuttgart, Swiatek picked up WTA 1000 titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami while also leading Poland to November`s Billie Jean King Cup Finals with two singles wins in the qualifying tie against Romania this month.

Swiatek is aiming to return at the Italian Open, which will be played from May 9-15 in Rome, before the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros starts from May 22.

"My body needs rest. I`m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris," she added.

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury, the Women`s Tennis Association said on Wednesday. The 20-year-old from Poland is on a 23-match winning streak and picked up her fourth consecutive title on Sunday when she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final.

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury, the Women`s Tennis Association said on Wednesday. The 20-year-old from Poland is on a 23-match winning streak and picked up her fourth consecutive title on Sunday when she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final. "After intense last weeks and winning four titles in a row it`s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven`t had a chance to handle it properly," Swiatek said in a Twitter post. "I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that`s why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw." Swiatek, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2020, was scheduled to open her campaign against a qualifier at the WTA 1000 event on clay in Madrid, the main draw of which starts on Thursday. Also Read: Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation Before Stuttgart, Swiatek picked up WTA 1000 titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami while also leading Poland to November`s Billie Jean King Cup Finals with two singles wins in the qualifying tie against Romania this month. Swiatek is aiming to return at the Italian Open, which will be played from May 9-15 in Rome, before the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros starts from May 22. "My body needs rest. I`m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris," she added.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulls out of Madrid Open with shoulder injury

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek ended U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu's first clay tournament run by 6-4, 6-4 to move into the Stuttgart Open semifinals. Swiatek extended her win streak to 21 matches and moved closer to what would be a fourth consecutive title after victories in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami.

The quarterfinal was much closer than their only previous encounter at any level, a 6-0, 6-1 win for Swiatek at 2018 Junior Wimbledon, but Raducanu's lack of experience on clay still told against former French Open champion Swiatek.

Swiatek immediately broke Raducanu and held serve with ease to take a first set in which Raducanu won just three return points. Raducanu improved markedly in the second set&nbsp;despite needing a medical timeout after an examination of her lower back and hip at 2-1 down and made Swiatek work hard.

Raducanu was in her first career WTA tournament on clay after playing on the surface for the first time at the senior level last week for Britain against the Czech Republic in the Billie Jean King Cup. The clay-court swing was already over last year when Raducanu burst onto the scene with a charge to the fourth round on the grass of Wimbledon.

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Friday's contest was the 19-year-old British player's first match against an opponent ranked in the world's top 10, as she aimed to win three matches at the same tournament for the first time since her shock U.S. Open title.

Swiatek goes on to face Liudmila Samsonova in the semifinals after the Russian won 7-5, 6-3 against home favourite Laura Siegemund of Germany.

Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka meet in the other semifinal. Badosa outlasted Ons Jabeur 7-6 (9), 1-6, 6-3 to reach the last four after having lost in the quarterfinals at her last two tournaments in Miami and Charleston.

Sabalenka ended a seven-month wait for a tour semifinal since last year's U.S. Open, the Belarusian hitting 10 aces as she beat Anett Kontaveit 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek ended U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu's first clay tournament run by 6-4, 6-4 to move into the Stuttgart Open semifinals. Swiatek extended her win streak to 21 matches and moved closer to what would be a fourth consecutive title after victories in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek ended U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu's first clay tournament run by 6-4, 6-4 to move into the Stuttgart Open semifinals. Swiatek extended her win streak to 21 matches and moved closer to what would be a fourth consecutive title after victories in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami. The quarterfinal was much closer than their only previous encounter at any level, a 6-0, 6-1 win for Swiatek at 2018 Junior Wimbledon, but Raducanu's lack of experience on clay still told against former French Open champion Swiatek. Swiatek immediately broke Raducanu and held serve with ease to take a first set in which Raducanu won just three return points. Raducanu improved markedly in the second set despite needing a medical timeout after an examination of her lower back and hip at 2-1 down and made Swiatek work hard. Raducanu was in her first career WTA tournament on clay after playing on the surface for the first time at the senior level last week for Britain against the Czech Republic in the Billie Jean King Cup. The clay-court swing was already over last year when Raducanu burst onto the scene with a charge to the fourth round on the grass of Wimbledon. Also Read: Lewis Hamilton confirms interest in being a part of Sir Martin Broughton' consortium seeking to buy Chelsea Friday's contest was the 19-year-old British player's first match against an opponent ranked in the world's top 10, as she aimed to win three matches at the same tournament for the first time since her shock U.S. Open title. Swiatek goes on to face Liudmila Samsonova in the semifinals after the Russian won 7-5, 6-3 against home favourite Laura Siegemund of Germany. Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka meet in the other semifinal. Badosa outlasted Ons Jabeur 7-6 (9), 1-6, 6-3 to reach the last four after having lost in the quarterfinals at her last two tournaments in Miami and Charleston. Sabalenka ended a seven-month wait for a tour semifinal since last year's U.S. Open, the Belarusian hitting 10 aces as she beat Anett Kontaveit 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

World no.1 Iga Swiatek beats Emma Raducanu to extend winning run in Stuttgart Open

British teenager Emma Raducanu used three sets to down Germany`s Tamara Korpatsch 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 on Thursday in the second round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Stuttgart, Germany. The eighth-seeded Raducanu, the reigning U.S. Open champion, will face Poland`s Iga Swiatek, the top seed and recently crowned world No. 1, in the quarterfinals. Raducanu won 35 of her 47 first-service points (74.5 percent), served up five aces and broke Korpatsch`s serve five times.

No. 2 seed Paula Badosa of Spain endured a third-set tiebreaker to finish off Kazakhstan`s Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4) in two hours and 30 minutes. Third seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus was a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 winner over Canadian Bianca Andreescu, who was playing her first tournament since October.

Germany`s Laura Siegemund advanced when No. 4 seed Maria Sakkari of Greece retired while down 6-4, 3-1. Russian Liudmila Samsonova upset Czech sixth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-4. Fifth seed Anett Kontaveit of Estonia and seventh seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia were also victorious.

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TEB BNP Paribas Tennis Championship Istanbul 
Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan won 30 of 47 first return points en route to a 6-2, 6-0 win in 74 minutes over Sweden`s Rebecca Peterson in the second round at Turkey. Russia`s Anastasia Potapova saved all five break points and needed just 70 minutes to defeat Croatia`s Petra Martic 6-2, 6-3. No. 7 seed Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain also had a straightforward day in beating Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-2, 6-1. Sixth seed Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia advanced when Ukrainian foe Lesia Tsurenko retired down 6-4, 1-0, and Russian third seed Veronika Kudermetova advanced over Romania`s Ana Bogdan via walkover.

British teenager Emma Raducanu used three sets to down Germany`s Tamara Korpatsch 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 on Thursday in the second round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Stuttgart, Germany.

British teenager Emma Raducanu used three sets to down Germany`s Tamara Korpatsch 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 on Thursday in the second round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Stuttgart, Germany. The eighth-seeded Raducanu, the reigning U.S. Open champion, will face Poland`s Iga Swiatek, the top seed and recently crowned world No. 1, in the quarterfinals. Raducanu won 35 of her 47 first-service points (74.5 percent), served up five aces and broke Korpatsch`s serve five times. No. 2 seed Paula Badosa of Spain endured a third-set tiebreaker to finish off Kazakhstan`s Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4) in two hours and 30 minutes. Third seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus was a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 winner over Canadian Bianca Andreescu, who was playing her first tournament since October. Germany`s Laura Siegemund advanced when No. 4 seed Maria Sakkari of Greece retired while down 6-4, 3-1. Russian Liudmila Samsonova upset Czech sixth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-4. Fifth seed Anett Kontaveit of Estonia and seventh seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia were also victorious. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic wades into Ukraine-Russia war, slams Wimbledon ban on Russian, Belarusian players TEB BNP Paribas Tennis Championship Istanbul Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan won 30 of 47 first return points en route to a 6-2, 6-0 win in 74 minutes over Sweden`s Rebecca Peterson in the second round at Turkey. Russia`s Anastasia Potapova saved all five break points and needed just 70 minutes to defeat Croatia`s Petra Martic 6-2, 6-3. No. 7 seed Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain also had a straightforward day in beating Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-2, 6-1. Sixth seed Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia advanced when Ukrainian foe Lesia Tsurenko retired down 6-4, 1-0, and Russian third seed Veronika Kudermetova advanced over Romania`s Ana Bogdan via walkover.

WTA roundup: Young star Emma Raducanu to meet Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart

Iga Swiatek moved up to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be ranked number one in the sport.

20-year-old Swiatek takes over from Ashleigh Barty, following the Australian's shock retirement when last month the three-time grand slam winner announced she would be leaving the sport at 25-years-old, having spent more than two years as world #1.

After beating Naomi Osaka to win the Miami Open title on Saturday, Swiatek moved onto a 17-match winning streak having already won Indian Wells a week earlier, and the Qatar Open in Doha in February. 
 
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In doing so the Pole has also become the first female player to win the first three WTA 1,000 events of the year.

The clay-court season gets underway this week and Swiatek will be targeting a second French Open title in June, having won her maiden grand slam at Roland Garros in 2020.

Iga Swiatek moved up to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be ranked number one in the sport. 20-year-old Swiatek takes over from Ashleigh Barty, following the Australian's shock retirement when last month the three-time grand slam winner announced she would be leaving the sport at 25-years-old, having spent more than two years as world #1.

Iga Swiatek moved up to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be ranked number one in the sport. 20-year-old Swiatek takes over from Ashleigh Barty, following the Australian's shock retirement when last month the three-time grand slam winner announced she would be leaving the sport at 25-years-old, having spent more than two years as world #1. After beating Naomi Osaka to win the Miami Open title on Saturday, Swiatek moved onto a 17-match winning streak having already won Indian Wells a week earlier, and the Qatar Open in Doha in February. ALSO READ: Korea Open: Malvika Bansod emerges on top of China's Hue Yan in a thriller to enter second round In doing so the Pole has also become the first female player to win the first three WTA 1,000 events of the year. The clay-court season gets underway this week and Swiatek will be targeting a second French Open title in June, having won her maiden grand slam at Roland Garros in 2020.

Iga Swiatek creates history, becomes first tennis player from Poland to reach world No. 1

World number one Iga Swiatek said she cried for 40 minutes after learning of three-times Grand Slam champion Ash Barty`s shock retirement last month.

Swiatek took over the top ranking on Monday after Australian Barty decided to call time on her career at the age of 25. 
"I was crying for 40 minutes," Swiatek told the BBC on Monday. "Mainly, it was because of Ash`s retirement. I didn`t know it was going to happen and it really surprised me.

"I always had this vision that we would all play until we are 35 or something until our bodies are so tired that we can`t anymore.

"I needed time to actually understand what she must have thought. Her decision was really brave and I felt a lot of emotions because of that."

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Swiatek said she also became emotional after finding out that she could take over the top spot, which the 20-year-old Pole did after a second-round win at the Miami Open. She eventually went on to lift the title.

"I realised after two hours of being really emotional that `Hey, you don`t know what is going to happen yet and you still have to win some matches,`" Swiatek said.

"So I told myself `let`s wait with the emotions and with being excited because I have work to do.`"

World number one Iga Swiatek said she cried for 40 minutes after learning of three-times Grand Slam champion Ash Barty`s shock retirement last month. Swiatek took over the top ranking on Monday after Australian Barty decided to call time on her career at the age of 25.

World number one Iga Swiatek said she cried for 40 minutes after learning of three-times Grand Slam champion Ash Barty`s shock retirement last month. Swiatek took over the top ranking on Monday after Australian Barty decided to call time on her career at the age of 25. "I was crying for 40 minutes," Swiatek told the BBC on Monday. "Mainly, it was because of Ash`s retirement. I didn`t know it was going to happen and it really surprised me. "I always had this vision that we would all play until we are 35 or something until our bodies are so tired that we can`t anymore. "I needed time to actually understand what she must have thought. Her decision was really brave and I felt a lot of emotions because of that." Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz beats Casper Ruud to become youngest Miami Open men's champion Swiatek said she also became emotional after finding out that she could take over the top spot, which the 20-year-old Pole did after a second-round win at the Miami Open. She eventually went on to lift the title. "I realised after two hours of being really emotional that `Hey, you don`t know what is going to happen yet and you still have to win some matches,`" Swiatek said. "So I told myself `let`s wait with the emotions and with being excited because I have work to do.`"

New world no.1 Iga Swiatek says she was 'crying for 40 minutes' after Ash Barty's retirement

Poland's Iga Swiatek will take over the world number one ranking in style as she kept her remarkable winning run intact with a 6-4 6-0 win over Japan's Naomi Osaka in the Miami Open final on Saturday.

The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, did not drop a set in Miami and has now won 17 consecutive matches dating back to her championship run at the Qatar Open in February.

With the victory, the 20-year-old Swiatek becomes only the fourth woman to win the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back, a feat known as the "Sunshine Double" given the tournaments'&nbsp;respective locations in California and Florida.

"These weeks were so intense I didn't really know if I would able to keep up with the streak that I have," said Swiatek, who also became the first woman to win the opening three WTA 1000 tournaments in a season.

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"It's amazing for me that I could show mental toughness because my whole life I thought I could do more and sometimes I was losing and I didn't even know why.

"This season I feel like everything clicked so it's great and I am really happy."

The two players wasted no time getting into the heat of the battle as the match began with a wild seven-deuce opening game during which four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka saved two break points and fired down four aces to hold serve.

The match remained on serve until Swiatek broke Osaka when she ripped a brilliant crosscourt backhand winner to go ahead 3-2 and then went on to close out the first set without facing a break point despite serving under 40%.

The former French Open champion raised her level in the second where she broke Osaka three times to race out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as she sealed the 79-minute match on her first championship point when Osaka sent a forehand wide.

Swiatek is the first women to complete the "Sunshine Double" since Victoria Azarenka in 2016. Kim Clijsters (2005) and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996) are the other women to accomplish the feat.

Osaka arrived in Florida following a second-round loss at Indian Wells where she was reduced to tears after being heckled during the match but she proved resilient as she would only drop one set en route to the Miami final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-iga-swiatek-runs-down-petra-kvitova-to-enter-semis-casper-ruud-stuns-alexander-zverev-467135">Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev</a>

In the final, Osaka did well to hold serve in a tricky 10-minute game to start the match and while she was not able to do much against a determined Swiatek after that she still held her head high.

"I haven't been in this position for a little minute," said the 24-year-old Osaka, who took a break from the sport last year to prioritise her mental health.

"I know this isn't the outcome that you guys wanted but I am having a lot of fun out here so I hope that I can keep working hard and get more opportunities to be in a situation like this again."

Swiatek will take over the top ranking from Ash Barty, who stunned the sporting world last month when she announced her retirement from tennis aged 25.

Poland's Iga Swiatek will take over the world number one ranking in style as she kept her remarkable winning run intact with a 6-4 6-0 win over Japan's Naomi Osaka in the Miami Open final on Saturday.

Poland's Iga Swiatek will take over the world number one ranking in style as she kept her remarkable winning run intact with a 6-4 6-0 win over Japan's Naomi Osaka in the Miami Open final on Saturday. The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, did not drop a set in Miami and has now won 17 consecutive matches dating back to her championship run at the Qatar Open in February. With the victory, the 20-year-old Swiatek becomes only the fourth woman to win the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back, a feat known as the "Sunshine Double" given the tournaments' respective locations in California and Florida. "These weeks were so intense I didn't really know if I would able to keep up with the streak that I have," said Swiatek, who also became the first woman to win the opening three WTA 1000 tournaments in a season. ALSO READ: Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios fined $35,000 for Miami Open violations "It's amazing for me that I could show mental toughness because my whole life I thought I could do more and sometimes I was losing and I didn't even know why. "This season I feel like everything clicked so it's great and I am really happy." The two players wasted no time getting into the heat of the battle as the match began with a wild seven-deuce opening game during which four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka saved two break points and fired down four aces to hold serve. The match remained on serve until Swiatek broke Osaka when she ripped a brilliant crosscourt backhand winner to go ahead 3-2 and then went on to close out the first set without facing a break point despite serving under 40%. The former French Open champion raised her level in the second where she broke Osaka three times to race out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as she sealed the 79-minute match on her first championship point when Osaka sent a forehand wide. Swiatek is the first women to complete the "Sunshine Double" since Victoria Azarenka in 2016. Kim Clijsters (2005) and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996) are the other women to accomplish the feat. Osaka arrived in Florida following a second-round loss at Indian Wells where she was reduced to tears after being heckled during the match but she proved resilient as she would only drop one set en route to the Miami final. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev In the final, Osaka did well to hold serve in a tricky 10-minute game to start the match and while she was not able to do much against a determined Swiatek after that she still held her head high. "I haven't been in this position for a little minute," said the 24-year-old Osaka, who took a break from the sport last year to prioritise her mental health. "I know this isn't the outcome that you guys wanted but I am having a lot of fun out here so I hope that I can keep working hard and get more opportunities to be in a situation like this again." Swiatek will take over the top ranking from Ash Barty, who stunned the sporting world last month when she announced her retirement from tennis aged 25.

Miami Open: Poland's Iga Swiatek beats Naomi Osaka to clinch title, replaces Ash Barty as world no.1

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash.

Swiatek, who came to Miami full of confidence after claiming back-to-back titles at Doha and Indian Wells, pressured twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova's serve throughout the 77-minute match and never faced a break point.

The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, has now won 15 consecutive matches dating back to Qatar and will next face 16th seed Jessica Pegula.

"I want to use the confidence that I built since the beginning of Doha," said Swiatek.

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"I'm on a roll and I want to use that. Having that kind of streak got pretty tricky, but I'm pretty glad that I could play well, that I'm healthy, and that I can compete against players like Petra. She's a legend."

Pegula advanced after Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa retired with a viral illness while trailing 4-1.

"Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day," Badosa wrote on Twitter. "Tried everything to recover but wasn't enough. I'll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season."

For Pegula, it marked the second consecutive abrupt ending to a match as unseeded Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin retired while down 6-0 in their fourth-round clash.

Norwegian sixth seed Ruud secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 triumph over world number four Zverev.

After Zverev levelled the match, it was Ruud who was the aggressor in the decider as he frequently approached the net with great success, held tough during baseline rallies and limited his unforced errors.

Ruud had failed to win a set in two previous meetings against Zverev.

"I feel a little bit good. I mean, it's obviously an exciting night and the biggest win of my career so far," Ruud told reporters.

"This is now the fourth time I'm reaching a semi-final in a Masters 1000 event and ... the first time on hard court so that means it's a little bit extra special for me."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-naomi-osaka-outclasses-danielle-collins-to-set-up-maiden-semifinal-date-against-belinda-bencic-466949">Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic</a>

Ruud lost the three Masters semi-finals he previously played in Rome, Monte Carlo and Madrid -- all claycourt tournaments.

"Let's see if I can take what I have learned from the three previous semi-finals where unfortunately I lost all of them and see if I can turn it around and make the fourth time the lucky charm," he added.

Up next for Ruud will be Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, whose dream run in his ATP Masters 1000 debut continued after Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their match with foot blisters.

Cerundolo, who is ranked 103rd, was leading 4-1 when Sinner decided to call the match and becomes the lowest-ranked men's singles semi-finalist in the tournament's history.

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash.

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash. Swiatek, who came to Miami full of confidence after claiming back-to-back titles at Doha and Indian Wells, pressured twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova's serve throughout the 77-minute match and never faced a break point. The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, has now won 15 consecutive matches dating back to Qatar and will next face 16th seed Jessica Pegula. "I want to use the confidence that I built since the beginning of Doha," said Swiatek. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals "I'm on a roll and I want to use that. Having that kind of streak got pretty tricky, but I'm pretty glad that I could play well, that I'm healthy, and that I can compete against players like Petra. She's a legend." Pegula advanced after Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa retired with a viral illness while trailing 4-1. "Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day," Badosa wrote on Twitter. "Tried everything to recover but wasn't enough. I'll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season." For Pegula, it marked the second consecutive abrupt ending to a match as unseeded Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin retired while down 6-0 in their fourth-round clash. Norwegian sixth seed Ruud secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 triumph over world number four Zverev. After Zverev levelled the match, it was Ruud who was the aggressor in the decider as he frequently approached the net with great success, held tough during baseline rallies and limited his unforced errors. Ruud had failed to win a set in two previous meetings against Zverev. "I feel a little bit good. I mean, it's obviously an exciting night and the biggest win of my career so far," Ruud told reporters. "This is now the fourth time I'm reaching a semi-final in a Masters 1000 event and ... the first time on hard court so that means it's a little bit extra special for me." ALSO READ: Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic Ruud lost the three Masters semi-finals he previously played in Rome, Monte Carlo and Madrid -- all claycourt tournaments. "Let's see if I can take what I have learned from the three previous semi-finals where unfortunately I lost all of them and see if I can turn it around and make the fourth time the lucky charm," he added. Up next for Ruud will be Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, whose dream run in his ATP Masters 1000 debut continued after Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their match with foot blisters. Cerundolo, who is ranked 103rd, was leading 4-1 when Sinner decided to call the match and becomes the lowest-ranked men's singles semi-finalist in the tournament's history.

Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev

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