Iga Swiatek is finding her rhythm at an important stage of the season. The former world No. 1 has reached the Beijing quarterfinals and is beginning to see greater consistency in her game after a mixed period since her return to the WTA 1000 circuit.
Swiatek entered the Asian swing still outside the eight automatic qualification places for the WTA Finals, making Beijing and Wuhan particularly important. Her run has now taken her into the last eight, giving her another opportunity to add significant points in the final weeks of the regular season.
The Pole reached the quarterfinals after defeating Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-3, following a more difficult opening victory over Donna Vekic. The performance against Jovic was particularly convincing, with Swiatek taking control early and finding a greater variety in her attacking game.
That improvement has left Swiatek feeling increasingly positive about her level, although she knows the next challenge will be another significant one. She will face Elise Mertens in the quarterfinals after the Belgian defeated third seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3.
Swiatek feels her game is moving forward
Swiatek was pleased with the way she took advantage of her opportunities against Jovic, particularly compared with some of her recent performances. She felt she was more aggressive with her shot selection while retaining the ability to defend when the match demanded it.
"For sure, today I was using more of the chances that I got. I was more proactive, maybe changing the directions more instead of just being solid, more intense," the 6-time Grand Slam champion said at press conference. "When I needed that, I could play long rallies and be in defense, as well. Everything was working today."
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during the women's singles quarterfinal match against Diana Shnaider of Russia at the 2026 National Bank Open
That was part of a broader feeling that her tennis is beginning to move in the right direction. Swiatek won Toronto in August, her first title in 11 months, but followed that with a fourth-round exit at the US Open. She remains in the mix for the WTA Finals, with the closing weeks of the season now providing little room for wasted opportunities.
"I feel like my game has improved. Obviously, sometimes playing the tournament is a bit tricky. Not everything is depending on you. I believe what I’m doing makes sense moving forward."
The confidence comes from more than results alone. Swiatek says she is starting to trust the direction of her game, while accepting that each new match effectively resets the situation.
"That gives me the most confidence. For sure, when you have great results in a match, it’s always a good boost of confidence. But tennis is tough. You need to be ready for every match. Your previous results are not going to give you anything."
Mertens stands between Swiatek and another milestone
Mertens will now provide a different test. The Belgian has already taken out Gauff, one of the tournament's top seeds, and will arrive in the quarterfinal with momentum. Swiatek, however, owns a 2-0 record against Mertens from their previous meetings.
The match also has statistical significance for Swiatek. She has already reached her 31st career WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Beijing, while her victory over Jovic was her 148th main-draw win at the level, moving her alongside Serena Williams and behind only Aryna Sabalenka among active players.
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A victory over Mertens would take Swiatek into her 25th WTA 1000 semifinal and, more importantly, keep her moving in the Race to the WTA Finals. But she is refusing to look too far ahead as the pressure builds. "I'm going to push no matter what and we'll see how it goes."
That approach captures where Swiatek stands now. She is not relying on what she has achieved earlier in the season or on her past results against opponents. Instead, she believes her game is improving and is trying to carry that progress into each match as the fight for the WTA Finals reaches its decisive stage.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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