Iga Swiatek back to her best after securing first top 10 win in six months: "I feel much better and have a lot more confidence in my shots"

For the first time since the 2025 WTA Finals, Iga Swiatek has defeated a top 10 player. She did it in formidable fashion, thrashing a hapless Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 in the quarter-finals of the Rome Open in a statement display that boosts her title chances and sends a warning to the rest of the field.

The last time these two met was in the Bad Homburg final last year right before Swiatek's majestic Wimbledon run. The American won that edition, leaving the former world number one without a win against Pegula since the 6-1, 6-0 trouncing in the final of the 2023 WTA Finals. Pegula managed to get a couple more games on the board, but like that match in Mexico was nowhere near the level of her rejuvenated opponent.

The bagel looked very much on for the Pole in the first set after storming into a 5-0 lead. Pegula managed to get a first hold on the board but could not prevent Swiatek from racing into a one-set lead in just 28 minutes. Swiatek again took a double-break advantage in the second set, sailing 4-0 clear. Pegula survived two break points with four holds concluding this tie. Swiatek took her second match point and books a fourth semi-final in Rome.

After the match, the six-time Grand Slam champion was full of glee and pride after a brilliant showing. She passionately celebrated reaching a first semi-final since the United Cup triumph.

"For sure, the work we’ve done over the last weeks has helped a lot," she said in her on-court interview. "I feel much better and have a lot more confidence in my shots. I used that from the beginning of the match today and tried to put pressure on Jessica, so I’m really happy with the way I played."

Pegula is one of the best players in the world and always going to be a tricky test. However, the level may go up another notch with two former champions set to battle it out for the right to face Swiatek. 2017 and 2018 champion Elina Svitolina will take on the world number two Elena Rybakina in the final WTA quarter-final.

Swiatek is someone who tries to stay in her own bubble, avoiding anything else going on in the tournament. This includes who she is playing throughout the draw. However, it was almost impossible to hide the fact that she would be facing off against one of these opponents. "Honestly, it’s impossible not to know who’s left in the tournament, so obviously I know," she admitted. "But I’ll prepare the same way as before any match. Maybe I’ll watch a little bit of tonight’s match, but most of the information will come from my coach. We’ll prepare and I’ll be ready for tomorrow."

She was also grateful to all the fans while came out to support her. That included a number of Poles passionately cheering on the 24-year-old. "Thank you guys for coming," she gratefully said. "Grazie mille. I love being here and I love playing in Rome. I’m really happy that I can stay much longer this year than last year and play in front of you guys, because it’s really a pleasure. And thank you as well to all the Polish fans who are coming. I see you on the practice courts here and I really appreciate it. Yeah — see you tomorrow."