Follow us on Google Discover Iga Swiatek is through to the quarterfinals in her Wuhan Open debut after defeating Belinda Bencic in straight sets.
The Pole was forced to a first-set tiebreak by the Swiss star, but came out on top in the shootout and sealed the second set to win 7-6, 6-4.
With her triumph over Bencic, Swiatek has claimed the 41st WTA 1000 win of her career, equalling Victoria Azarenka’s record.
Her next opponent in Wuhan comes in the form of Jasmine Paolini, against whom she is undefeated at tour-level events.
Photo by Wang He/Getty ImagesIga Swiatek reacts to reaching the Wuhan Open quarterfinals
Reacting to her victory against Bencic, Swiatek said: “For sure I wanted to play with confidence and make great decisions, because against Belinda you can’t let her dictate.
“I really tried to do that. It was super hard and every game was tough; that’s why it was two sets and over two hours, but I’m happy I was there in the deciding moments to play really solid and get every shot back.”
Swiatek has emerged victorious in all six of her WTA meetings with her next opponent, Paolini, including the 2024 Roland Garros final.
Iga Swiatek’s head-to-head record against Jasmine Paolini
“She is a really tough opponent,” said the world number two of the Italian. “We already played a final this year.
“I know she can play amazing tennis, and she is a fighter. She never gives up. We have played a couple of tough matches and always seem to be ready for every ball to come back, so I will prepare and I will be ready.”
Photo by ADEK BERRY/AFP via Getty ImagesJill Craybas says Iga Swiatek was ‘tested’ against Belinda Bencic
Analysing Swiatek’s performance on Sky Sports, former American tennis player Jill Craybas said: “Iga will definitely be pleased with that. She was tested, no doubt.
“I thought [Belinda] Bencic came out maybe a little bit slow in the beginning, but also, Iga started fast, and you have to credit Bencic for staying in there, trying to stay composed throughout that match.
“It was a better performance, I think, than Bencic had at Wimbledon, where Iga dominated, but Bencic should be pleased with the way she fought out there, didn’t back down at all.
- Wimbledon: Swiatek defeats Bencic 6-2, 6-0
- Wuhan: Swiatek defeats Bencic 7-6, 6-4
“Iga, I felt like in that second set, there was a moment where she really lifted her level at the right moment to be able to close it out in straight sets.
“It’s the first time they’ve been able to lay their eyes on Swiatek as well, it’s her debut here in Wuhan.
“She’s been talking about how she’s been enjoying being here in the city, obviously enjoying the conditions as well, despite the fact that it’s been so humid, she’s been able to play at night.”
Swiatek now leads the head-to-head with Bencic 5-1, with the sole defeat coming at the US Open in 2021.