Swiatek survives Zheng scare to reach WTA quarters

Swiatek survives Zheng scare to reach WTA quarters

Iga Swiatek has used an outfit change to assist her reset after a poor begin and beat China’s Zheng Qinwen 3-6 6-1 6-1 to succeed in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open.

The world No.1 will now meet Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.

Swiatek, who dropped a single sport in her earlier match on the US Open tune-up occasion, wanted time to work out Zheng however as soon as she did she instantly regarded extra just like the participant who has occupied prime spot on this planet rankings since April 2022.

The Pole regarded unsettled as Zheng jumped out to a 3-0 double-break cushion in windy situations and the Chinese No,1 refused to let up as she broke for a 3rd time to seize the primary set when the Pole despatched a forehand lengthy.

Swiatek swapped her white outfit for a black one and it led to an immediate change in her fortunes as she confirmed extra conviction in her strokes and broke Zheng to like thrice for a 5-0 lead en path to forcing a decider.

Swiatek motored by the ultimate set and once more feasted of Zheng’s serve, breaking twice for a 5-0 lead earlier than closing out the competition on her serve when her opponent despatched a forehand lengthy.

“Honestly, it’s because of my coach,” Swiatek mentioned about her outfit change. “He told me a couple months ago that after losing a set it might be a good idea to change your outfit so you can kind of reset and go into the second set in a different vibe.

“I assumed this was a nasty (concept) however I attempted this time and it labored, so thanks coach.”

Awaiting Swiatek in the next round will be Vondrousova, who converted four of five break points during a 7-5 6-3 victory over Sloane Stephens.

In other early action, world No.4 Elena Rybakina was leading her match against Jasmine Paolini 6-4 2-5 when she retired, sending the Italian qualifier into the final eight.

Greek eighth seed Maria Sakkari additionally superior with a 3-6 6-2 6-3 win over Czech Karolina Muchova.

Source: www.perthnow.com.au