Iga Świątek continues to dominate the courts of Stuttgart, securing her spot in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix semifinals. Facing off against Emma Raducanu, Świątek displayed her prowess in a thrilling quarterfinal clash, triumphing with a 7-6 (2), 6-3 victory on Friday.
Raducanu, having previously caused a stir by defeating the higher-seeded Linda Noskova in the previous round, started the quarterfinal encounter with determination, breaking Świątek in the opening game. However, what ensued was a gruelling set lasting a remarkable 13 minutes, marked by seven deuces and three breakpoints before Świątek managed to level the match.
The tie-break swung decisively in favour of Świątek, who demonstrated courage and precision to claim it 7-2, setting the stage for a dominant second set. Maintaining her momentum, Świątek broke Raducanu’s serve in the opening game of the second set, further solidifying her advantage and ultimately securing victory with another crucial break.
🇵🇱 IGA ŚWIĄTEK W PÓŁFINALE! Polka pokonała Emmę Raducanu 7:6(2), 6:3. O finał WTA 500 w Stuttgarcie zagra z Eleną Rybakiną w sobotę nie przed godz. 14:00. #czasnatenis
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) April 19, 2024
🇬🇧 IGA ŚWIĄTEK IN THE SF! She beats Emma Raducanu 7:6(2), 6:3. For the final of #PorscheTennis she will play… pic.twitter.com/zlxUxyNWt4
With her place in the semifinals confirmed, Świątek now turns her focus to the challenge posed by Jelena Rybakina. The Kazakhstani player earned her spot in the semifinals after a hard-fought three-set battle against Jasmine Paolini (6-3, 5-7, 6-3).
Iga Świątek – Emma Raducanu 2-0 (7-6, 6-3)