Swiatek clinches semifinal spot in Canadian Open with gritty win over Collins

Iga Swiatek, the reigning World No.1, showcased her unwavering determination and skill as she secured a hard-earned spot in the semifinals of the ongoing Canadian Open. In a gripping encounter, Swiatek triumphed over qualifier Danielle Collins, prevailing with a final score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

The match against Collins marked a significant milestone for Swiatek, as her victory not only propelled her to the semifinals but also marked her 50th match triumph of the season. The impressive achievement underlines Swiatek’s exceptional form and determination on the court.

As Swiatek advances to the semifinals, she is poised to face a formidable opponent in No.3-ranked Jessica Pegula. Pegula secured her own spot in the next round with a dramatic victory over her doubles partner Coco Gauff, prevailing with a score of 6-2, 5-7, 7-5.

Swiatek’s recent successes have solidified her reputation as a dominant force in the tennis world. Over the past two seasons, she has clinched an impressive 117 match victories, a feat that places her at the forefront of the WTA Tour. Her remarkable achievement echoes the accomplishments of past tennis greats, with the last player to achieve 50-plus wins in consecutive seasons being Karolina Pliskova in 2018-19.

The reigning No.1-ranked player, Swiatek continues to elevate her legacy on the court. Her quarterfinal victory not only secured her place among the tennis elite but also extended her reign as the No.1-ranked player for an impressive 72 weeks. This achievement places her in the prestigious company of the top-ranked players in the history of the sport.

Reflecting on her tenacious performance, Swiatek expressed her satisfaction and determination to continue her journey in the tournament. “I’m really proud of myself that I made it to the semis. I’m happy that I can play another match,” she remarked during her on-court interview.

Collins, a determined qualifier, displayed exceptional resilience throughout the tournament. Despite her valiant efforts, Collins acknowledged the impact of her intense schedule on the match outcome. “From an energy perspective, that probably had a big effect on the match,” Collins shared, while also acknowledging Swiatek’s impressive shot-making and tactical prowess.

With her semifinal berth secured, Swiatek now holds a commendable record of winning three out of four career matches against Collins. As the tournament progresses, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the exhilarating battles and remarkable displays of skill that the Canadian Open continues to deliver.

-IANS