Swiatek solves Pegula puzzle to reach maiden US Open semifinal

In a match that could have gone either way, Iga Swiatek overcame the resilient effort from Jessica Pegula to advance to the US Open semifinal.

The top seed remained focused in her 6-3 7-6(4) victory over the top-ranked American, engaging in a see-saw battle to establish momentum. Both ladies remained on serve to open the match, till Pegula faltered when serving at 3-4. This gave Swiatek the pivotal break, and the Polish star quickly served out the opening set.

Momentum seemed to be on the side of the World No.1, as she broke the eighth seed to lead 1-0 at the start of the second set. However, Pegula broke back immediately to level the score. This led to another exchange of breaks, with neither woman able to establish a lead.

After a third exchange of breaks, a tiebreak ensued. It was here that Swiatek's aggression paid off. The French Open champion employed her superior shot-placement and return of serve to gather a mini break, before eventually closing out the match after an hour and 51 minutes.

Swiatek will face Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal, with both ladies vying for a spot in their first US Open singles final.