The fourth-round match against former World No.1 Angelique Kerber was unlike the matches Iga Swiatek played at the Italian Open. On Monday (May 13), Swiatek overcame the German 7-5, 6-3 on the Centre Court.
The two-time Italian Open champion had to use all her energy to beat Kerber, who made her comeback to tennis courts this year after maternity leave. After winning the first set, Swiatek lost two back-to-back games but quickly shifted the momentum again by taking the set and the match. Swiatek was all praise for the former World No.1 following the win.
For sure, Angie was playing well. I felt like every point mattered… I have huge respect for Angie. It’s nice that she’s back and playing well. She’s a really nice person. I always enjoy these matches for sure. Great to see Angie competing at a high level again. Iga Swiatek said after the match
The match lasted for an hour and 38 minutes, in which the Pole improved her head-to-head record against Kerber 3-0. Before this encounter, they last met in this year’s United Cup.
Iga Swiatek will next face Madison Keys
Following the thumping victory over Angelique Kerber, Iga Swiatek will next face 18th seed Madison Keys of the United States in the quarterfinals. The American defeated Spain’s Sorana Cirstea in a match that was halted by environmental protesters for around 45 minutes.
The 22-year-old beat Keys in the Madrid Open semifinal in their last encounter before lifting her maiden trophy in the Spanish capital by beating Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in a thriller. Swiatek has faced Keys four times, leading the head-to-head record 3-1.
They first met in the 2021 Rome Open, which Swiatek won, and the result was no different when they met in 2022 in Indian Wells. The only time Keys won was in the 2022 Cincinnati Open.
Swiatek has now won 33 matches this season, leading the charts with Elena Rybakina occupying the second position (30 victories). The World No.4 from Kazakasthan withdrew from the Italian Open due to illness.
Swiatek is aiming for her fourth title. The win over Kerber was also her ninth consecutive win on clay.
Before her win over Kerber, Swiatek defeated Bernarda Pera and Yulia Putintseva, both in straight sets. The Pole won the title in Rome in 2022 by beating Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2, and in 2021 by beating Karolina Pliskova.
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