Iga Świątek is in great form at the China Open. In her previous game, the Pole was two point away from the elimination while facing the French Caroline Garcia, but somehow managed to turn the tide and seal a great win. The latter gave her a significant boost of confidence. 

On Saturday morning, Iga was opposed to the merely 19-year-old American sensation Coco Gauff, who also happens to be number 3 in the WTA ranking. The first set was clearly one-sided. Świątek imposed her aggressive game and broke early on. The Varsovian left only two games to her opponent and took a first step toward the final. 

After having broken once again early on in the second set, Iga left no doubt as to her willingness to validate her ticket for the final without spending too much time and energy on the court. In a little more than an hour, this month-watering confrontation turned into a demonstration of power for the Polish champion.

The former world number 1 is a win away from completing a remarkable 130th victory in two consecutive seasons on the WTA tour. The former record holder in this regard among Poles was Agnieszka Radwańska back in 2012 and 2013 with 125 wins. 

On Sunday at 9AM (UK time), Świątek will be facing the Russian Ludmila Samsonova and targeting a 16th title in her still young career, which would reduce the gap separating her from Aryna Sabalenka’s throne of world number 1. 

Iga has been number 1 for 75 consecutive weeks until recently and could soon be in a position to reclaim this prestigious position from the Belorussian, who was stopped at the stage of the quarter-finals. 

Image: X (@WeAreTennisFR)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen