“Behaving like she’s older,” Iga Swiatek impressed by Mirra Andreeva’s display after beating the Russian in Cincinnati
World No.1 Iga Swiatek was given a mighty scare by teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva in the Cincinnati quarterfinal.
Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva (via Imago)
Top seed Iga Swiatek was made to work for her Cincinnati quarterfinal win against Mirra Andreeva. The 17-year-old, capturing the spotlight by playing high-level tennis at such a young age, showed a full array of shot-making and movement.
However, Swiatek’s experience proved fundamental. The Pole edged Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, but she couldn’t celebrate her win without sharing a few words of appreciation for the young Russian sensation.
She's playing and behaving like she's older. I felt like we were playing at a similar level. It was really tight. Every point mattered at the end. It wasn't easy.Iga Swiatek said in her post-match interview
Iga Swiatek after beating Mirra Andreeva in Cincinnati:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 17, 2024
"She's playing and behaving like she's older. I felt like we were playing at a similar level. It was really tight. Every point mattered at the end. It wasn't easy."
pic.twitter.com/28BXGLsthp
Swiatek is playing her first tournament since the Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old secured the Olympic Bronze medal earlier this month. After that, she withdrew from the National Bank Open and is now building form for the US Open. She will be bidding to win her second Grand Slam in New York later this month.
Iga Swiatek books her spot in the Cincinnati semifinals
World No.1 Iga Swiatek is heading to the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open for the second straight year. She came from behind to beat 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. The match ended with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
Andreeva, one of the few players under 18 to make a WTA 1000 quarterfinal since 2009, started strong. She broke Swiatek’s serve early and held onto her lead to win the first set. Andreeva showed no fear, despite the windy conditions, and defended two break points twice in the set.
Swiatek stepped up her game in the second set. She broke the Russian’s serve in the first game and didn’t face any break points until the final moments of the match. The teenager had a chance to push the final set into a tiebreak but missed her backhand return.
With this win, Swiatek remains unbeaten in quarterfinal matches this year, holding a perfect 10-0 record. This victory also marked her 30th win at a WTA 1000 tournament this season, a feat only Serena Williams surpassed in the last 15 years with 36 wins in 2013.
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Fahad Hamid
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