Iga Swiatek had some trouble against Emma Raducanu at the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix but still navigated the matchup as well as possible, winning it in two sets.
Many described this match as box office-worthy because the reigning world number one played on a court, where she had won two years in a row, and never lost, against a soaring Raducanu, who had won four matches in a row for the first time in almost three years.
It was expected to be a great match, and the first set was certainly delivered. Raducanu took an early break immediately, which signaled to Swiatek that this wasn't going to be an easy one.
The Polish player would break back immediately after we saw quite a battle between the two. Both were playing on a really solid level, especially Raducanu, who is demonstrating a level worthy of the Top 10.
She cruised through her games, as did Swiatek, so the set had to be decided in a tie-break. In the tie-break, world number one took over the match and won it 7-3, without having much trouble.ä
She was just a bit more consistent when the pressure was highest, which ultimately separates the champions from the really good players.
In the second set, Raducanu couldn't keep up with Swiatek's tremendous pressure, who was just taking over. It was expected after that opening set, but Raducanu still showed a lot of fight.
She wasn't steamrolled easily by Swiatek, even though she could have. She had multiple break points but was unable to use them. Eventually, Swiatek won the second set 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals once more.
She's now only two matches away from winning this WTA 500 event three years in a row, which would be a great accomplishment. It was a good week for Raducanu as well; there is a lot to be excited about.
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