The WTA 1000 China Open witnessed an electrifying showdown as Polish tennis sensation Iga Swiatek battled her way into the semi-finals after a gruelling encounter against Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia. The quarter-final match lasted over two and a half hours and was a rollercoaster of emotions for both players and spectators alike.
Swiatek and Garcia’s Epic Battle Sets the Tone in Thrilling First Set Tiebreak
In a nail-biting first set, neither Swiatek nor Garcia gave an inch. The statistics reflected their tenacity, with Garcia serving at an impressive 71 percent of her first serves and winning 80 percent of her first serve points, while Swiatek kept pace, serving at 80 percent and winning 89 percent of her first serve points. With no break points in the first 12 games, the set inevitably headed to a tiebreak.
Garcia initially took control in the tiebreak, leading 5-2. However, Swiatek displayed her fighting spirit by levelling the score to 6-6 with two key passing shots. She eventually clinched the set 8-10 in the tiebreak after a thrilling baseline rally.
Jeden z najlepszych setów w sezonie, bez wątpienia.#ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/hKQzWkirni
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) October 6, 2023
Swiatek’s Rollercoaster Ride in the Second Set Ends with a Dramatic Tiebreak Triumph
The momentum swung in the favor of the Polish player as she secured an early break in the second set, taking a 2-1 lead. Swiatek extended her lead to 4-1, seemingly on her way to a comfortable victory. Nevertheless, Garcia mounted a fierce comeback, breaking Swiatek’s serve at 5-4 and forcing the match into a second tiebreak.
In the second tiebreak, Swiatek once again took an early lead at 4-0, but Garcia, as she had done throughout the match, fought back valiantly, levelling the score to 5-5. The pivotal moment arrived when Swiatek, reeling under the pressure, managed to win a crucial backhand rally, taking the set 7-5 in the tiebreak.
Swiatek’s Dominant Decider: Seals Semi-Final Berth in Style
With the match level at one set apiece, Swiatek unleashed her determination and skill in the decisive third set. She broke Garcia’s serve to build a commanding 3-0 lead and continued her relentless pursuit of victory. At 5-1, Swiatek secured a final insurance break and sealed the remarkable win with a scoreline of 6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-5), 6-1.
Made of steel ⛓️@iga_swiatek overcomes a determined Garcia 6-7(8), 7-6(5), 6-1 to reach her 11th semifinal of the year! #ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/4IIu4bW7Of
— wta (@WTA) October 6, 2023
Po raz kolejny to powtórzę – KAPITALNY MECZ.#ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/GJYIFCAbrD
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) October 6, 2023
This thrilling quarter-final encounter showcased the unwavering spirit and resilience of Iga Swiatek as she advances to the semi-finals of the China Open. Her quest to capture her first WTA 1000 title of the season continues, and her next challenge awaits in the form of either US Open champion Coco Gauff or Guadalajara champion Maria Sakkari on Saturday.
Iga Świątek – Caroline Garcia 2-1 (6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-5), 6-1)