Swiatek savours Olympic revenge against Zheng

Iga Swiatek broke new personal ground as she took revenge for a Paris Olympics loss to Zheng Qinwen, defeating the Chinese gold medallist 6-3, 6-3 on a gusty Thursday to reach the Indian Wells Masters semi-finals.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has lost just a dozen games in getting this far at the event. 

The second seed who next plays teenage Mirra Andreeva, is the first player ever to reach the last four here for four consecutive years and is the third player to win her first four quarter-finals along with Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova.

Andreeva, last month’s champion in Dubai, booked her spot with a 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Elina Svitolina, her 10th straight match win.

Swiatek said dealing with the day’s winds was a challenge.

“I think every time is a bit different,” she said of the unpredictable conditions. “I’m gonna be able to use it to my advantage in terms of playing more spinny with the wind so it bounces even higher.”

Swiatek’s win was her seventh from eight against Zheng, with the Pole seeking a first title since winning Roland Garros last June for a fourth time. 

Swiatek led 5-2 in each, though Zheng fought back in both to reach 5-3.

Main photo:- Iga Swiatek wins quarter final – by WTATennis.com