Swiatek ends gauff's 16 match winning streak to book a ticket in China Open

Oct 7, 2023 - 17:12

Oct 7, 2023 - 17:16

Swiatek ends gauff's 16 match winning streak to book a ticket in China Open

Swiatek (right) beat Gauff 6-2, 6-3 to set up a clash with Liudmila Samsonova in the final.

Beijing,

Saturday, 7 October, 2023

McCreadie Andias

World number two Iga Swiatek ended US Open champion Coco Gauff's 16-match winning run with victory in the semi-finals of the China Open.

Gauff was compelled into treatment in the second set after suffering a shoulder injury earning Swiatek a comfortable 6-2 6-3 victory.

Swiatek dominated the March from the start with 19 year old Gauff seemingly troubled to come back from both sets.

Gauff had defeated Swiatek in the Semis in Cincinnati with the victory being her first in eight meetings with Swiatek also maintaining her longest career winning streak.

The Victory send Swiatek into a third WTA final of the season.

The world number 22 caused a surprise by beating beat fifth seed Elena Rybakina 7-6 (9-7) 6-3.

Gauff admitted that she felt her injury from the first set claiming that she was not used to playing under pain.

"I was feeling [the injury] in the first set," "It's definitely a new experience. I'm not used to playing with pain in general, "Gauff said.

"When you're experiencing pain... your whole mind starts thinking, 'Is it serious? Should I keep playing or not?'"Gauff added.

"I'm really happy with my performance," she said. "It feels like I can play freely again, so I'm really happy. It's been a while since I felt that way." a jubilant Swiatek admitted.

"So I'll remember for the rest of my career that even though tougher times may come, in your mind, you can always overcome that. And with hard work, you can achieve it.

"I'm happy that I switched my attitude after the US Open, and hopefully I'll be able to keep it for as long as possible."added Swiatek.

Switek became the first player to beat Gauff since Jessica Pegula claimed a three-set win in the quarter-finals in Montreal in August.

Swiatek will face world number 22 Liudmila Samsonova in the Finals on Sunday Samsonova having earned a surprising ticket into the Finals by beating fifth placed seed Elena Rybakina 7-6 (9-7) 6-3.