World number one Iga Swiatek is into the semi-finals at Roland Garros for a third time after defeating Coco Gauff 6-4 6-2.
The Pole extended her head-to-head over the American to 7-0 and 14-0 in sets as her title defence will continue into the final four.
It was a valiant effort by the American but ultimately fell short of reaching the semi-finals for a second consecutive year.
Next for Swiatek is Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, who defeated Ons Jabeur in the quarter-finals.
It was a positive start from Gauff as she played aggressive, smart tennis from the beginning to test Swiatek from the baseline.
However the Pole edged to a couple of service holds and would break to love in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead as her returning quality showed.
Gauff provided an immediate response in the next game to break back as she tested Swiatek’s rally tolerance and tested the Pole’s defensive rustiness.
The American was holding onto her service games despite producing below 40% of her first serves.
Swiatek continued to find big points in pressure moments as Gauff was producing some big shots on pressure points.
In the end the Pole’s returning presence and quality showed as she broke for the set with Gauff producing a number of errors.
There was a slight moment of hope for the American at the start of the second set as she overcame the poor end to the first set with some effective point construction.
Last year’s finalist set up three break points but made some fairly erratic errors as any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out.
Swiatek remained aggressive, proactive and produced world-class depth to take advantage of Gauff’s error-prone game.
The Pole’s level of play intensified and improved as she sealed too late breaks of serve in impressive fashion as she claimed victory in 90 minutes.
Speaking after the match Swiatek said the match wasn’t easy but was happy to get through, “For sure, it wasn’t easy – the first set, especially, was really tight and Coco was really using the conditions here,” Swiatek was quoted by the BBC as saying.
“I’m pretty happy I was able to work on it and win this match because quarter-finals are sometimes the toughest matches. Even though Coco is young, she is experienced so I’m pretty happy to be in the semi-final.
“We play many tournaments in the year where we have to play day after day but I’m pretty fresh because, as you saw in previous matches. I didn’t really spend too much time on court so I’m actually happy today was a tighter match.
“I will be ready no matter what and not having a day off was something that I knew since the beginning of the tournament so I am ready for this situation.”
Another tough loss for Gauff to take as Swiatek seals her place in the semi-finals in Paris for a third time.
Next for Swiatek will be Beatriz Haddad Maia tomorrow.
