Swiatek overcomes shaky performance to battle past Andreescu at Indian Wells, sets up blockbuster encounter with Raducanu in round of 16

It was a difficult day at the office for Iga Swiatek, who was made to work for her third round victory over Bianca Andreescu at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells on Monday night.

The defending champion pulled off a 6-3 7-6(1) over Andreescu, who looked to be in as great a form as she's been all season. The Canadian broke Swiatek's serve to start the match, but was immediately broken back to keep the score tied at 1-1. After some inconsistent play from both ladies that saw neither competitor capitalize on their break point opportunities, it was the World No.1 who broke through. This enabled her to grasp the opening set, much to the dismay of her Canadian opponent.

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Both ladies were shaky on serve in the second set, leading to an exchange of breaks. Nonetheless, it was Swiatek who obtained the crucial break to lead 5-4 and serve for the match. However, some inspired play from Andreescu saw the 2019 champion battle back, leveling the score and forcing a tiebreak. It was here that Swiatek's grit and experience was on full display, as the French Open champion dominated the tiebreak to close out the match after two hours and 7 minutes.

Swiatek will face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in what should be a high-octane encounter, with the British star advancing after a hard-fought victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia earlier in the day.