October 07, (THEWILL) – World number two, Iga Swiatek, booked her place in the China Open women’s final with a dominant victory against Coco Gauff in Beijing on Saturday, handing the American her first defeat in 17 matches.
The Pole overpowered the US Open champion 6-2, 6-3 to set up a final clash with either Elena Rybakina or Liudmila Samsonova on Sunday. Swiatek seized control early in the first set and never allowed an error-prone, injured Gauff any chance of getting back into the contest.
The four-time Grand Slam winner wasted no time in gaining a double break of serve and wrapped up the opening set when Gauff slammed a forehand into the net. Swiatek broke again in the opening game of set two before the match was paused while Gauff received treatment for a right shoulder injury.
Afterwards, Swiatek resumed control and sealed the win when the 19-year-old hit another forehand into the net. In the press conference, Swiatek said she was playing “more solidly” and making fewer mistakes than in previous tournaments.
“Playing against Coco is tough because she’s really good at keeping the initiative, but she can also play great defence,” Swiatek added. Gauff, who had not lost since August, said she had been feeling the shoulder injury in the first set. “It’s definitely a new experience. I’m not used to playing with pain,” she told reporters.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
