Iga Swiatek advanced to the 2024 Indian Wells Open semi-finals, but not the way she wanted, as Caroline Wozniacki was forced to retire.
The clash between the arguably best Polish tennis player ever, and arguably one of the the best, if not the best Danish player ever, however, with Polish roots, was always going to be very interesting.
Swiatek followed the Dane when she was growing up since Wozniacki has Polish roots, and their meeting at the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells looked promising on paper.
Once the match started, things were looking even better, as the Dane was able to save three break points in the opening game, and three games later, she broke the world no. 1's serve.
After that, she confirmed the break with a hold, leading already 4-1 in the first set of the quarter-final match. However, Swiatek then started her comeback, as she broke back.
She also added another break, winning the first set 6-4. The Pole started the second set better, too, but this time, her momentum was cut short not by her opponent's play but by her retirement.
Already in her previous match against Angelique Kerber, Wozniacki struggled with her toe, and that proved to be the reason for her retirement in this match, as she wasn't able to continue.
Swiatek, on the other hand, will be looking forward to the semi-finals, taking on the 31st-seeded Marta Kostyuk. However, she was also disappointed by the Danish player's retirement.
"I have huge respect for her. I’m sad it had to finish that way. I hope she’s gonna be recovering and be ready for Miami."
After losing surprisingly early at the Australian Open, Swiatek will be looking to prove that she's the best player in the world, as run to the final would send her into the lead in the 2024 WTA Race, overtaking current leader Aryna Sabalenka.