Swiatek facing huge grass test against Paolini

Iga Swiatek stands a win away from her first career grass court final – but faces the challenge of former Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini in the next round.

Poland’s former world No. 1 – a five-time Grand Slam champion – is fighting to emerge from what would be considered a slump at her elite level; She has yet to win a title this season and has not lifted a trophy since Roland Garros 12 months ago.  

Swiatek booked her semi-final place on the WTA grass at Bad Homburg on Thursday over  Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 7-6 (5) in their quarter-final

Italian Paolini defeated Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 7-5, 7-5.

Swiatek has never lost to Paolini, entering the semi-final with a 4-0 record in the series as they face off on grass for the first time.

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Swiatek said she had to work to get past Alexandrova: “I already lost against her, so I knew she could make amazing tennis.

“For sure, her flat shots fit really well on the grass,” she said after saving three break points in victory.

The match was interrupted by rain, during which Swiatek passed the time doing crosswords in the locker room at 4-3 in the second set.

“Today, it was all about adjusting to the conditions, because it was super windy for most of the match,” she said.

“We both tried to do what we can — on the one hand, be intense, but on the other hand play it safe.”