After finally losing to
Coco Gauff in Cincinnati earlier this Summer which started the American's run towards US Open glory,
Iga Swiatek has gained a measure of revenge to reach the
China Open Final.
On Saturday morning, Swiatek saw off Gauff with ease 6-2, 6-3 and is the first player to defeat the American in two months after a 16 match winning streak.
It is a third WTA 1000 final of 2023 for Swiatek and a seventh final of the year and after doubts about her form at times this year, she has done well to dispel them this week in Beijing. She faces the winner of Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina tomorrow.
It was a rare moment for Gauff of poor play with hitting problems creeping up once more against Swiatek. Swiatek jumped into an early 4-1 lead and dominated from the baseline before sealing the opening set constantly grinding down Gauff in the rallies.
Gauff got to the point of requesting a medical timeout with potential injury problems. Swiatek cruised to victory with an early break being a precursor to the time out. Gauff is due to play next week, but it remains to be seen if she takes time away now after the first mini blip of her Grand Slam reign against the former imperious World No.1.