Iga Swiatek will be again playing in the 2023 Roland Garros semifinals after beating Coco Gauff.
The two youngsters met in what was the rematch of last year's final, but this time, they weren't fighting for the trophy, but 'only' for a semifinal spot. In the semifinals, Beatriz Haddad Maia already awaited one of the two after she bested Ons Jabeur earlier on the day.
In their previous six matches on the WTA Tour, the young Pole always managed to beat Gauff and it was always in straight sets. Therefore, she was coming into the match as a clear favourite, but the American was ready for the challenge.
The first set proved to be a real battle and also the most important set, as it usually is. Swiatek broke first in the fourth game, but her opponent quickly found a response and the score was soon tied again on the Court Philippe-Chatrier at three games each.
The World No. 1 then had a chance to go ahead when she had a break point in the eighth game, but Gauff then won five of the following six rallies and she led 30-15 when the score was 4-4 in the opening set.
And that was exactly the point in the match when Swiatek shattered all her dreams. The Pole won the following seven points, winning the first set 6-4 and massively shifting the momentum.
Gauff had three break points also in the second set, but after she didn't use her chances, and leveled the score at 2-2 after a comfortable hold, Swiatek started the show that fans are used to seeing from her.
She won four consecutive games, allowing only one point to her opponent in each. Thanks to that, she won the match 6-4, 6-2 to book the semifinal spot at the 2023 Roland Garros and after the match, she admitted that playing already tomorrow won't be a problem for her as she was feeling 'pretty fresh', but also praised her opponent.
"It wasn't easy, especially the first set was really tight, and Coco was using the conditions here. Quarterfinals are sometimes the toughest matches, but for sure, Coco has already been in that place, and even though she's young, she's experienced, so I'm happy to be in the semifinals."
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