STUTTGART: Iga Swiatek, the top-ranked player and reigning champion, extended her winning streak in Stuttgart to 10 matches by defeating Emma Raducanu in straight sets in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, contenders for the title, suffered surprising losses.
Swiatek, seeded first and a two-time champion at the German clay-court event, overcame former US Open winner Raducanu 7-6 (7/2), 6-3.
Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, staged a comeback to defeat world number two Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match, while US Open titleholder Gauff fell to Marta Kostyuk in a tight contest.
Despite her defeat, Raducanu showed promising signs of returning to form, having won two matches for Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup before her run in Stuttgart. Swiatek’s next challenge will be against fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who secured her spot in the semi-finals by defeating Jasmine Paolini.
Vondrousova, on the other hand, reached her first semi-final since winning Wimbledon last July after stunning Sabalenka. She will face Kostyuk for a place in the final.
Kostyuk’s journey to the semi-finals included battling back from deficits in both the second and third sets against Gauff, showcasing her resilience and determination on the court.
