Iga Swiatek will face Jelena Ostapenko for a spot in the US Open quarter-final, which promises to be a really interesting match.
The Polish player has been utterly spectacular at this year's US Open, beating players comfortably. She's determined to win the trophy this year after missing out on trophies at the Cincinnati Masters and Canadian Open.
Her next opponent knows what it's like to play against her, as she's beaten her three times so far. Yes, the H2H is 3-0 for Ostapenko, which is quite incredible considering how strong Swiatek has been so far in her career.
Head-to-head:
The H2H favours Ostapenko as she's won each of their previous matches on the WTA Tour. The first one came in in 2019 on grass, with Ostapenko winning 6-0 6-2. The second one came in Indian Wells in 2021, with Ostapenko winning 6-4 6-3.
The most recent one happened last year in Dubai, with Ostapenko winning 4-6 6-1 7-6(4). That Dubai loss was actually the last loss before she went on that incredible 30+ match winning streak.
Prediction:
So obviously, Ostapenko gives Swiatek some trouble, and there is a reason for that. She's one of the game's purest hitters and a player who likes to show up in big matchups. Swiatek struggles against players who put her under a lot of pressure, especially from the baseline.
It's how the likes of Sabalenka and Rybakina beat her and while Ostapenko is nowhere near as consistent as those players she seems to show up against Swiatke. Let's see if she does it again, but I think the Polish number one will get it done.
It's time to get a win, and Ostapenko hasn't looked that great lately. Her last match that didn't go to three sets happened in the first round of Wimbledon, so she's up and down. I don't see her winning against Swiatek with that lack of consistency.
Prediction: Iga Swiatek in two sets.
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