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."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alexander-zverev-outlasts-carlos-alcaraz-to-enter-semi-finals-at-french-open-2022-484057">Alexander Zverev outlasts Carlos Alcaraz to enter semi-finals at French Open 2022</a>

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.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wish-i-can-be-a-man-chinas-zheng-qinwen-dejected-after-menstural-cramps-derail-her-french-open-campaign-483716">'Wish I can be a man': China's Zheng Qinwen dejected after menstrual cramps derail her French Open campaign</a>

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/frencho-open-2022-marin-cilic-knocks-out-russian-second-seed-daniil-medvedev-to-set-up-rublev-clash-483698">French Open 2022: Marin Cilic knocks out Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev to set up Rublev clash</a>

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.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-teenager-holger-rune-shows-last-years-finalist-stefanos-tsitsipas-the-exit-door-483618">French Open - Teenager Holger Rune shows last year's finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas the exit door</a>

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/frencho-open-2022-marin-cilic-knocks-out-russian-second-seed-daniil-medvedev-to-set-up-rublev-clash-483698">French Open 2022 -&nbsp;Marin Cilic knocks out Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev to set up Rublev clash</a>

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.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-spaniard-rafael-nadal-stays-on-course-for-possible-face-off-with-novak-djokovic-in-quarters-482723">French Open: Spaniard Rafael Nadal stays on course for possible face-off with Novak Djokovic in quarters</a>

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.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emma-raducanus-french-open-campaign-cut-short-after-loss-to-aliaksandra-sasnovich-482115">Emma Raducanu's French Open campaign cut-short after loss to Aliaksandra Sasnovich</a>

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-jo-wilfried-tsonga-bids-tearful-farewell-to-18-year-long-career-after-first-round-exit-481993">French Open: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bids tearful farewell to 18-year-long career after first-round exit</a>

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.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunshine-double-novak-djokovic-and-his-7-year-old-son-win-tournaments-on-same-day-479668">'Sunshine double': Novak Djokovic and his 7-year-old son win tournaments on same day</a>

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."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-italian-open-to-claim-first-title-in-over-six-months-479237">Novak Djokovic wins Italian Open to claim first title in over six months</a>

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.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-reveals-foot-injury-a-cause-of-concern-ahead-of-french-open-478697">Rafael Nadal reveals foot injury a cause of concern ahead of French Open</a>

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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lsg-vs-kkr-ipl-2022-prediction-today-who-will-win-lucknow-super-giants-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-match-477104" hreflang="en">IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win LSG vs KKR encounter?</a>

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 |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-partied-more-than-he-practiced-virender-sehwag-recalls-aussie-stars-debut-ipl-season-477047" hreflang="en">Warner partied more than he practiced: Sehwag on Aussie star's debut IPL stint</a>

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.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-defends-ban-on-russian-players-confirms-covid-vaccination-not-mandatory-for-participation-474035">Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation</a>

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.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-confirms-interest-in-being-a-part-of-sir-martin-broughton-consortium-seeking-to-buy-chelsea-472949">Lewis Hamilton confirms interest in being a part of Sir Martin Broughton' consortium seeking to buy Chelsea</a>

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.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wades-into-ukraine-russia-war-slams-wimbledon-ban-on-russian-belarusian-players-472684">Novak Djokovic wades into Ukraine-Russia war, slams Wimbledon ban on Russian, Belarusian players</a>

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. 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-open-malvika-bansod-beats-chinas-hue-yan-in-a-thriller-to-enter-second-round-468569">Korea Open: Malvika Bansod emerges on top of China's Hue Yan in a thriller to enter second round</a>

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."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carlos-alcaraz-beats-casper-ruud-to-become-youngest-miami-open-mens-champion-468209">Carlos Alcaraz beats Casper Ruud to become youngest Miami Open men's champion</a>

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-tennis-player-nick-kyrgios-fined-35000-for-miami-open-violations-467375">Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios fined $35,000 for Miami Open violations</a>

"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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-sania-mirza-kirsten-flipkens-crashes-out-in-quarterfinals-467002">Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis&nbsp;Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals</a>

"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

The 20-year-old Iga Swiatek is set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history.

After her 6-2, 6-0 victory over Viktorija Golubic on Friday night at the Miami Open, Swiatek secured the WTA Tour's No.1 ranking.

It will become official on Monday, April 4, when the newly retired Ashleigh Barty's name will come off the list at her request.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-pv-sindhu-h-s-prannoy-storm-into-semis-with-victories-in-respective-women-men-singles-events-465529">Swiss Open: PV Sindhu, H S Prannoy storm into semis with victories in respective women, men singles events</a>

Swiatek becomes the 28th woman to reach the WTA summit. By comparison, since the rankings were introduced in 1975, there have been 184 major tournaments, with 52 different women winning titles.

She's the youngest player to make her No.1 debut since Caroline Wozniacki, who was 216 days younger, in 2010.

Swiatek is currently the WTA's most in-form player. She's on a career-best 12-match winning streak and has a tour-high 21 wins this year, with WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Indian Wells.

The 20-year-old Iga Swiatek is set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history. After her 6-2, 6-0 victory over Viktorija Golubic on Friday night at the Miami Open, Swiatek secured the WTA Tour's No.

The 20-year-old Iga Swiatek is set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history. After her 6-2, 6-0 victory over Viktorija Golubic on Friday night at the Miami Open, Swiatek secured the WTA Tour's No.1 ranking. It will become official on Monday, April 4, when the newly retired Ashleigh Barty's name will come off the list at her request. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: PV Sindhu, H S Prannoy storm into semis with victories in respective women, men singles events Swiatek becomes the 28th woman to reach the WTA summit. By comparison, since the rankings were introduced in 1975, there have been 184 major tournaments, with 52 different women winning titles. She's the youngest player to make her No.1 debut since Caroline Wozniacki, who was 216 days younger, in 2010. Swiatek is currently the WTA's most in-form player. She's on a career-best 12-match winning streak and has a tour-high 21 wins this year, with WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Indian Wells.

Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open

Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Indian Wells Open title and move up to number two in the Women's singles world rankings.

The 20-year-old Swiatek claimed six of those breaks including two in a one-sided second set, winning a second consecutive WTA 1000 title with a forehand winner.

Trailing 5-4 in the first set, Sakkari led 40-30 but sent two backhands into the net to give Swiatek a set point, which the Greek saved with a forehand winner.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/isl-final-2022-hyderabad-fc-hold-nerve-to-clinch-maiden-title-beat-kerala-blasters-on-penalty-shoot-out-464243">ISL final 2022: Hyderabad FC hold nerve to clinch maiden title, beat Kerala Blasters on penalty shoot-out</a>

The final got off to a sketchy start with four straight breaks of serve but Swiatek got the grip in the tricky conditions as she broke twice in the second game of the second set for a 5-1 lead.

She served out the match, winning on a forehand in the corner of the baseline.

With this win, Swiatek becomes the first woman to reach 20 match victories this season.

Former French Open champion Swiatek is the first Polish woman to claim the title at Indian Wells.

"At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think about winning, honestly, of course you have to believe in yourself, but I'm a realistic person," Iga Swiatek said in her post-match press conference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-charles-leclerc-wins-season-opening-bahrain-gp-as-ferrari-finishes-1-2-464227">Formula One: Charles Leclerc wins season-opening Bahrain GP as Ferrari finishes 1-2</a>

"Winning after playing so well in Doha is giving me a lot of confidence and kind of belief that I can do it...I wouldn't think of myself as someone who's ready to play two tournaments in a row and win it. For sure hard work is paying off," said Swiatek.

"[The World No.2 ranking is] pretty surreal for now. I have to look at it and I have to check the rankings by myself and just see it. Right now it's too surreal to describe it, honestly....But for sure I want to go higher because I feel like getting No. 1 is closer and closer," she added.

Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Indian Wells Open title and move up to number two in the Women's singles world rankings.

Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Indian Wells Open title and move up to number two in the Women's singles world rankings. The 20-year-old Swiatek claimed six of those breaks including two in a one-sided second set, winning a second consecutive WTA 1000 title with a forehand winner. Trailing 5-4 in the first set, Sakkari led 40-30 but sent two backhands into the net to give Swiatek a set point, which the Greek saved with a forehand winner. ALSO READ: ISL final 2022: Hyderabad FC hold nerve to clinch maiden title, beat Kerala Blasters on penalty shoot-out The final got off to a sketchy start with four straight breaks of serve but Swiatek got the grip in the tricky conditions as she broke twice in the second game of the second set for a 5-1 lead. She served out the match, winning on a forehand in the corner of the baseline. With this win, Swiatek becomes the first woman to reach 20 match victories this season. Former French Open champion Swiatek is the first Polish woman to claim the title at Indian Wells. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think about winning, honestly, of course you have to believe in yourself, but I'm a realistic person," Iga Swiatek said in her post-match press conference. ALSO READ: Formula One: Charles Leclerc wins season-opening Bahrain GP as Ferrari finishes 1-2 "Winning after playing so well in Doha is giving me a lot of confidence and kind of belief that I can do it...I wouldn't think of myself as someone who's ready to play two tournaments in a row and win it. For sure hard work is paying off," said Swiatek. "[The World No.2 ranking is] pretty surreal for now. I have to look at it and I have to check the rankings by myself and just see it. Right now it's too surreal to describe it, honestly....But for sure I want to go higher because I feel like getting No. 1 is closer and closer," she added.

Indian Wells: Iga Swiatek beats Maria Sakkari to claim WTA 1000 title, becomes world no. 2

World number four Iga Swiatek reached her first Indian Wells final on Friday after overpowering former champion Simona Halep 7-6(6) 6-4 in just under two hours.

Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener.

Halep swung the momentum back in her favour in the second set but was unable to fight past the 20-year-old Swiatek, who rallied from 4-2 down before winning 16 of the final 21 points to seal the semi-final result.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-england-open-lakshya-sen-and-doubles-pair-of-gayatri-gopichand-and-treesa-jolly-advance-to-semis-463604">All England Open: Lakshya Sen and doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly advance to semis</a>

After being pushed to three sets in her first three matches this week, Swiatek picked up her second straight-sets win in a row, following up her 6-1 6-0 dismissal of Madison Keys with victory over Halep.

The win means Swiatek has reached her second straight final, and extended her winning streak to 10 matches, having claimed the WTA 1000 title in Doha last month.

"It is insane, honestly," Swiatek said. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think of it, especially after winning in Doha... It's really over my expectations so I'm really happy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roman-abramovich-handed-chelsea-director-control-of-firm-on-day-of-ukraine-invasion-463598">Roman Abramovich handed Chelsea director control of firm on day of Ukraine invasion</a>

"In my previous matches against Simona, I always felt like I had nothing to lose because I was always not the favourite, but this one, I felt like my ranking is higher and obviously I've been playing well.

"It was stressful for sure but I wanted to fight until the end and be mentally stronger because Simona is a really strong player, mentally. She's not giving up so I wanted to do that better. I'm pretty proud that I did that."

Swiatek will face either sixth seed Maria Sakkari or reigning Indian Wells champion Paula Badosa, who will play their semi-final later on Friday.

World number four Iga Swiatek reached her first Indian Wells final on Friday after overpowering former champion Simona Halep 7-6(6) 6-4 in just under two hours. Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener.

World number four Iga Swiatek reached her first Indian Wells final on Friday after overpowering former champion Simona Halep 7-6(6) 6-4 in just under two hours. Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener. Halep swung the momentum back in her favour in the second set but was unable to fight past the 20-year-old Swiatek, who rallied from 4-2 down before winning 16 of the final 21 points to seal the semi-final result. ALSO READ: All England Open: Lakshya Sen and doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly advance to semis After being pushed to three sets in her first three matches this week, Swiatek picked up her second straight-sets win in a row, following up her 6-1 6-0 dismissal of Madison Keys with victory over Halep. The win means Swiatek has reached her second straight final, and extended her winning streak to 10 matches, having claimed the WTA 1000 title in Doha last month. "It is insane, honestly," Swiatek said. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think of it, especially after winning in Doha... It's really over my expectations so I'm really happy. ALSO READ: Roman Abramovich handed Chelsea director control of firm on day of Ukraine invasion "In my previous matches against Simona, I always felt like I had nothing to lose because I was always not the favourite, but this one, I felt like my ranking is higher and obviously I've been playing well. "It was stressful for sure but I wanted to fight until the end and be mentally stronger because Simona is a really strong player, mentally. She's not giving up so I wanted to do that better. I'm pretty proud that I did that." Swiatek will face either sixth seed Maria Sakkari or reigning Indian Wells champion Paula Badosa, who will play their semi-final later on Friday.

Indian Wells: World No. 4 Iga Swiatek beats Simona Halep to book final berth

Maria Sakkari knocked out reigning champion Paula Badosa in Friday's Indian Wells semi-finals and will take on Iga Swiatek in the title decider after the world number four fought back from a break down in each set to overpower Simona Halep.

Sakkari, who had won only two of her last 14 semi-finals, broke down in tears after reaching the biggest title match of her career following a 6-2 4-6 6-1 win over Spain's Badosa in the California desert.

"I work my entire life to get to this, to the late stages of the tournaments. It means a lot to me," said Sakkari, who is ranked sixth in the world.

The 26-year-old powered through the opening set with ease but lost momentum in the second before rediscovering her first-set level and cruising to a nerveless conclusion, hitting 28 winners in total.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-world-no-4-iga-swiatek-beats-romanias-simona-halep-to-book-final-berth-463662">Indian Wells: World No. 4 Iga Swiatek beats Simona Halep to book final berth</a>

Sakkari will take on Swiatek in Sunday's final after the Pole notched a 7-6(6) 6-4 win over Halep in just under two hours to extend her winning streak to 10 matches and reach her second straight final having won the WTA 1000 title in Doha last month.

"I know Iga really well... She's an unbelievable player," Sakkari added. "I respect her a lot and I admire her game. It`s just going to be an unbelievable fight for both of us and a very tough match for both of us."

Former French Open champion Swiatek prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points in the tiebreaker and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener.

Halep, a two-time Grand Slam winner, swung the momentum back in her favour in the second set but was unable to fight past the 20-year-old Swiatek, who rallied from 4-2 down before winning 16 of the final 21 points to seal the semi-final result.

After being pushed to three sets in her first three matches this week, Swiatek picked up her second straight-sets win in a row, following up her 6-1 6-0 dismissal of Madison Keys with victory over Halep.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-andrey-rublev-eases-past-bulgarias-grigor-dimitrov-to-enter-semi-finals-463666">Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals</a>

"It is insane, honestly," Swiatek said, reflecting on her second straight final.

"At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think of it, especially after winning in Doha ... It's really over my expectations so I'm really happy."

"In my previous matches against Simona, I always felt like I had nothing to lose because I was always not the favourite, but this one, I felt like my ranking is higher and obviously I've been playing well."

"It was stressful for sure but I wanted to fight until the end and be mentally stronger because Simona is a really strong player, mentally. She's not giving up so I wanted to do that better. I'm pretty proud that I did that."

Maria Sakkari knocked out reigning champion Paula Badosa in Friday's Indian Wells semi-finals and will take on Iga Swiatek in the title decider after the world number four fought back from a break down in each set to overpower Simona Halep.

Maria Sakkari knocked out reigning champion Paula Badosa in Friday's Indian Wells semi-finals and will take on Iga Swiatek in the title decider after the world number four fought back from a break down in each set to overpower Simona Halep. Sakkari, who had won only two of her last 14 semi-finals, broke down in tears after reaching the biggest title match of her career following a 6-2 4-6 6-1 win over Spain's Badosa in the California desert. "I work my entire life to get to this, to the late stages of the tournaments. It means a lot to me," said Sakkari, who is ranked sixth in the world. The 26-year-old powered through the opening set with ease but lost momentum in the second before rediscovering her first-set level and cruising to a nerveless conclusion, hitting 28 winners in total. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: World No. 4 Iga Swiatek beats Simona Halep to book final berth Sakkari will take on Swiatek in Sunday's final after the Pole notched a 7-6(6) 6-4 win over Halep in just under two hours to extend her winning streak to 10 matches and reach her second straight final having won the WTA 1000 title in Doha last month. "I know Iga really well... She's an unbelievable player," Sakkari added. "I respect her a lot and I admire her game. It`s just going to be an unbelievable fight for both of us and a very tough match for both of us." Former French Open champion Swiatek prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points in the tiebreaker and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener. Halep, a two-time Grand Slam winner, swung the momentum back in her favour in the second set but was unable to fight past the 20-year-old Swiatek, who rallied from 4-2 down before winning 16 of the final 21 points to seal the semi-final result. After being pushed to three sets in her first three matches this week, Swiatek picked up her second straight-sets win in a row, following up her 6-1 6-0 dismissal of Madison Keys with victory over Halep. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals "It is insane, honestly," Swiatek said, reflecting on her second straight final. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think of it, especially after winning in Doha ... It's really over my expectations so I'm really happy." "In my previous matches against Simona, I always felt like I had nothing to lose because I was always not the favourite, but this one, I felt like my ranking is higher and obviously I've been playing well." "It was stressful for sure but I wanted to fight until the end and be mentally stronger because Simona is a really strong player, mentally. She's not giving up so I wanted to do that better. I'm pretty proud that I did that."

Indian Wells: Maria Sakkari knocks out defending champion Paula Badosa to book final date with Iga Swiatek

The World No. 26 Simona Halep advanced into the semifinal with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the 24th seed Croatia's Petra Martic, while Iga Swiatek also advanced in style dismantling Madison Keys of America here at the Indian Wells on Wednesday.

Former World No.1 Halep, became this year's first semifinalist at Indian Wells. The two-time Grand Slam champion Halep took less than an hour to breeze past Petra Martic and secured a semifinal clash with Iga Swiatek of Poland.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-medallist-aliaksandra-herasimenia-who-fled-belarus-forced-into-exile-again-as-ukraine-attacked-462949">Olympic medallist Aliaksandra Herasimenia, who fled Belarus, forced into exile again as Ukraine attacked</a>

Third seed Iga Swiatek won her ninth consecutive match at WTA 1000 events with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over 25th seed Madison Keys of the United States in the quarterfinals.

Swiatek dominated her opponent with heavy groundstrokes forcing errors from big-hitting Keys. Simona Halep will face Iga Swiatek in the Indian Wells semi-finals on Friday.

The World No. 26 Simona Halep advanced into the semifinal with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the 24th seed Croatia's Petra Martic, while Iga Swiatek also advanced in style dismantling Madison Keys of America here at the Indian Wells on Wednesday.

The World No. 26 Simona Halep advanced into the semifinal with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the 24th seed Croatia's Petra Martic, while Iga Swiatek also advanced in style dismantling Madison Keys of America here at the Indian Wells on Wednesday. Former World No.1 Halep, became this year's first semifinalist at Indian Wells. The two-time Grand Slam champion Halep took less than an hour to breeze past Petra Martic and secured a semifinal clash with Iga Swiatek of Poland. ALSO READ: Olympic medallist Aliaksandra Herasimenia, who fled Belarus, forced into exile again as Ukraine attacked Third seed Iga Swiatek won her ninth consecutive match at WTA 1000 events with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over 25th seed Madison Keys of the United States in the quarterfinals. Swiatek dominated her opponent with heavy groundstrokes forcing errors from big-hitting Keys. Simona Halep will face Iga Swiatek in the Indian Wells semi-finals on Friday.

Indian Wells: Simona Halep registers clinical win over Petra Martic, Iga Swiatek storms into semifinal

Defending champion Paula Badosa advanced into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez here in California on Tuesday.

Badosa came up with a straight-set win over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez of Canada.

The 24-year-old Badosa extended her unbeaten streak in the California desert and will face either Veronika Kudermetova or Marketa Vondrousova for a semifinal spot.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-wc-charlotte-dean-heather-knight-shine-as-england-beat-india-by-4-wickets-to-register-first-win-462785">Women's WC: Charlotte Dean, Heather Knight shine as England beat India by 4 wickets to register first win</a>

Day 9 of Indian Wells starred with many anticipated clashes, and most of the battles were won by top-seeded players.No. 3 seed Iga Swiatek navigate a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over former World No.1 and Grand Slam champion, Angelique Kerber of Germany.

After an early exchange, Kerber took charge in the first set with 3-2 and the German held on to seal the one-set lead. An unreturnable serve closed the match, and Swiatek had once again pulled off a three-set comeback.

Swiatek will now face No.25 seed Madison Keys of the United States in the quarter-final clash.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-win-at-old-trafford-to-knock-out-cristiano-ronaldo-starrer-manchester-united-462773">Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United</a>

While, Sorana Cirstea crashed out as fellow Romanian Simona Halep rallied for a 6-1, 6-4 victory.

The 24th-seeded Halep closed the match with a win in 86 minutes.

In the quarters, Halep will take on Petra Martic of Croatia. Martic upset 28th seed Liudmila Samsonova 7-6(6), 6-4 in an hour and 54 minutes.

Defending champion Paula Badosa advanced into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez here in California on Tuesday. Badosa came up with a straight-set win over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez of Canada.

Defending champion Paula Badosa advanced into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez here in California on Tuesday. Badosa came up with a straight-set win over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez of Canada. The 24-year-old Badosa extended her unbeaten streak in the California desert and will face either Veronika Kudermetova or Marketa Vondrousova for a semifinal spot. ALSO READ: Women's WC: Charlotte Dean, Heather Knight shine as England beat India by 4 wickets to register first win Day 9 of Indian Wells starred with many anticipated clashes, and most of the battles were won by top-seeded players.No. 3 seed Iga Swiatek navigate a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over former World No.1 and Grand Slam champion, Angelique Kerber of Germany. After an early exchange, Kerber took charge in the first set with 3-2 and the German held on to seal the one-set lead. An unreturnable serve closed the match, and Swiatek had once again pulled off a three-set comeback. Swiatek will now face No.25 seed Madison Keys of the United States in the quarter-final clash. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United While, Sorana Cirstea crashed out as fellow Romanian Simona Halep rallied for a 6-1, 6-4 victory. The 24th-seeded Halep closed the match with a win in 86 minutes. In the quarters, Halep will take on Petra Martic of Croatia. Martic upset 28th seed Liudmila Samsonova 7-6(6), 6-4 in an hour and 54 minutes.

Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters

Newly crowned Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek lent her support to the people in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, saying she found it hard to picture a conflict so close to her homeland.

Poland's Swiatek stormed to a 6-2 6-0 victory in the Doha final, beating fourth seed Anett Kontaveit in 64 minutes on Saturday and ending the Estonian's nine-match win streak.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mexican-open-rafael-nadal-beats-britains-cameron-norrie-to-win-his-91st-atp-title-457029">Mexican Open: Rafael Nadal beats Britain's Cameron Norrie to win his 91st ATP title</a>

"I want to show my support to all the people who are suffering in Ukraine," an emotional Swiatek, on the verge of tears, said on court following her victory.

"Seeing those images is really emotional for me. I wouldn't even imagine stuff like that happening in the country next to me. I hope everybody will be safe in the end."

Newly crowned Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek lent her support to the people in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, saying she found it hard to picture a conflict so close to her homeland.

Newly crowned Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek lent her support to the people in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, saying she found it hard to picture a conflict so close to her homeland. Poland's Swiatek stormed to a 6-2 6-0 victory in the Doha final, beating fourth seed Anett Kontaveit in 64 minutes on Saturday and ending the Estonian's nine-match win streak. ALSO READ: Mexican Open: Rafael Nadal beats Britain's Cameron Norrie to win his 91st ATP title "I want to show my support to all the people who are suffering in Ukraine," an emotional Swiatek, on the verge of tears, said on court following her victory. "Seeing those images is really emotional for me. I wouldn't even imagine stuff like that happening in the country next to me. I hope everybody will be safe in the end."

Emotional Iga Swiatek voices support for Ukraine after clinching Qatar Open title

iga-swiatek

Iga Swiatek, News on Iga Swiatek, stories on Iga Swiatek, articles on Iga Swiatek, Iga Swiatek stories at Wion, Iga Swiatek news, Iga Swiatek latest news

iga swiatek