Sweet Revenge: Iga Swiatek dominates Zheng Qinwen and books semifinal spot at Indian Wells

Iga Swiatek delivers another masterclass, dismantling Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the Indian Wells semifinals. The Pole arrived with a flawless run, dropping just six games in her previous three matches, and capitalised on a lacklustre performance from the Chinese player.

However, Zheng had previously managed to upset Swiatek, doing so at the Olympic Games on her way to the gold medal, frustrating an almost unbeatable Swiatek on the Philippe Chatrier court at Roland Garros. The World No. 2 continues to improve her record in Tennis Paradise, now standing at 22-2 (92%).

Read also

Tournament Centre Indian Wells Open 2025: Schedule, results, Prize Money and TV Guide

First Set

Another commanding performance from Swiatek (No. 2) from start to finish. The match struggled to find rhythm in the opening games, with barely any rallies and the Pole quickly taking a 3-0 lead after winning 12 of the first 16 points. Zheng (No. 9) raised her level once she managed to hold serve for the first time, and the match started to feel a bit more competitive, though still lacking in long exchanges.

While Zheng gradually found her footing, Swiatek remained superior in most rallies, securing another break to go up 5-1. Zheng seemed to regain some confidence when she broke Swiatek — only the second time the Pole had been broken in the tournament.

However, it wasn’t much of a problem for the five-time Grand Slam champion, who calmly wrapped up the first set 6-3 with impeccable service games.

Read also

Schedule and Preview Indian Wells Open 2025 Day Nine Thursday March 13 including Alcaraz-Cerundolo, Swiatek – Zheng and Draper - Shelton

The Paris 2024 gold medallist managed just 43% on her first serve, winning 54% of those points, while Swiatek landed 59% of her first serves, winning 82% of them. Yet the difference wasn’t just in serving — Zheng appeared mentally disconnected for much of the set.

Second Set

Swiatek quickly took an early break in the second set. The former No. 1 reeled off 12 consecutive points, capitalising on Zheng’s unforced errors, and found herself up 4-0 in under 20 minutes. Zheng’s frustration was evident as she made uncharacteristic mistakes for a player of her calibre.

Read also

Mystery of who Zheng Qinwen wants to be friends with seemingly solved as two familiar faces referenced in video

The World No. 9 showed flashes of brilliance at times, but the pattern remained: errors from her side and effortless control from Swiatek. Just like in the first set, Zheng held a service game that gave her some confidence and later earned three break points, but she was not able to capitalize her chances.

With the score at 1-5 and Zheng serving at 40-0, there was a brief interruption due to light rain for a couple of minutes. Upon returning, Swiatek seemed poised to quickly secure the victory, but Zheng showed a last bit of resistance, held her serve, and managed to get one last break — narrowing the score — but it wasn't enough, as she couldn't hold her serve, and a double fault from Zheng ended up giving the win to her rival.

Now in the semifinals, Swiatek awaits the winner between Elina Svitolina and Mirra Andreeva, both of whom have upset her in previous tournaments.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe