Swiatek leaves it late to claim first SF of season

Three time Rome Masters winner Iga Swiatek managed her first semi-final of this season as she crushed Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday reaching the final four in 67 minutes

The former World No. 1 who currently stands third after last winning a title in September was untouchable throughout on a cloudy day with the threat of rain at the Foro Italico.

The six-time grand slam champion made quick work of her fifth-seeded with Pegula saving a match point before she was unable to handle a service winner off the Pole’s racquet which concluded her 18th victory of 2026.

“I’m happy I can stay this year much longer than last year” Swiatek said in reference to her third round defeat here in 2025.

“:I’m playing much better, with confidence on my shots and I used that today.

I was putting pressure on Jessie from the start.

I’m really happy with how I’m playing.

My coach will scout (her opponent’s later match) and we will prepare for that match in the same way.

I will be ready for tomorrow.

Swiatek won Rome titles in 2021, 2022 and two years ago and will play her 22nd semi at the Masters level.