Iga SWIATEK masterfully navigates key moments to oust ZHENG Qinwen in Dubai

Thursday, 22 February 2024 at 17:44

Iga Swiatek defeated Qinwen Zheng 6-3, 6-3 and advanced to the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The world No. 1 secured her 35th victory against a top-10 player (with only 14 defeats) and extended her head-to-head dominance over Zheng with an impressive 6-0 record.

The Polish tennis player entered the match focused, aiming for angled shots to prevent Zheng from comfortable hits. Swiatek quickly secured the first break, taking a 3-0 lead.

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She capitalized on her sole break opportunity of the set against Zheng, who had a low 48% first-service percentage but won 77% of them. On the other hand, Swiatek had a 64% first-service percentage, winning 72% of her serves.

Throughout the rest of the first set, neither player gave their opponent opportunities, and Swiatek's early advantage was enough to lead 6-3.

In the second set, both players held onto their serves, but Swiatek showed greater efficiency in crucial points. In the fourth game, she saved a break point against her, and in the following service game of Zheng, she seized her second opportunity to take the lead. Zheng attempted to recover, but she struggled on the return.

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With a 4-2 lead for Swiatek, the Chinese player became more inconsistent, even committing her first double fault at a crucial moment, allowing Swiatek to secure her second break and go up 5-2. Although Zheng had another chance for a break, she couldn't convert.

Swiatek closed out the match with her serve, offering another opportunity to her opponent, but she managed to save it, finishing the match with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over the recent Australian Open finalist.

Swiatek achieves 13 consecutive victories and has won 25 of her last 26 matches played. The 4-times Grand Slam champion advanced to the semifinals and will face the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Anna Kalinskaya.