Iga Swiatek survived a big test to defeat Mirra Andreeva 4-6 6-3 7-5 and reach the Cincinnati semi-finals.
The world number one overcame a big test against the 17 year-old rising start as she came from a set down to defeat the Roland Garros semi-finalist.
In the opening set Swiatek was broken in the third game as Andreeva took an early 2-1 lead.
As the set progressed Swiatek found confidence on return and created four break point opportunities.
However Andreeva remained firm and closed out the set on her second set point to strike first in this match.
Like the champion Swiatek is, the Pole responded in comprehensive fashion and broke for a 2-0 lead.
The top seed didn’t face a single break point in the set as she threatened a double break lead but Swiatek had to settle for the one break as she levelled up the match at one set all.
It was a tense and tight deciding set as Swiatek was pushed to her limits by a very aggressive Andreeva.
Eventually Swiatek used her experience to power through the last two games and seal a place in the last four.
After the match Swiatek praised her opponent and spoke about her victory, “She’s 17, but I feel we were playing at the same level,” Swiatek was quoted by France 24 as saying in her post match interview.
“It was a tight match. Every point matters at the end. It was not easy for sure. I knew I could not play in the same way. I needed to put more pressure on her.
“I played more proactive and had a better idea of what I needed to do. The same rhythm (as the first set) would not be enough. I changed things and felt the results right away.”
Swiatek will now play Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals with Swiatek leading their head-to-head 8-3 overall and 2-0 for the season.
