Iga Swiatek crushes Jessica Pegula to reach Italian Open semi-finals

Iga Swiatek delivered one of her most dominant performances in recent months after dismantling Jessica Pegula in straight sets to book her place in the semi-finals of the Italian Open.

The world No. 3 needed just over an hour to overpower the fifth seed 6-1, 6-2 on centre court in Rome, producing a commanding display that resembled the form which made her the dominant force on clay over recent seasons.

Swiatek rediscovers top form on clay

A three-time Rome champion, Swiatek looked sharp from the opening game, dictating rallies with aggressive baseline play and forcing Pegula into repeated errors.

The Polish star has endured a relatively inconsistent spell by her own high standards since winning the French Open two years ago, but her latest performance suggested confidence is returning at the perfect stage of the clay-court season.

Speaking after the victory, Swiatek admitted she is finally beginning to feel more comfortable with her game again.

“I feel much better. I have a lot of confidence in my shots,” Swiatek said.

“I used that from the beginning of the match and kept putting pressure on Jessie. I’m really happy with how I played.”

Pegula struggled to find rhythm throughout the contest as Swiatek repeatedly attacked her serve and controlled exchanges from the baseline.

The emphatic victory also reinforced Swiatek’s reputation as one of the most dangerous players on clay heading into Roland Garros later this month.

Semi-final awaits

Swiatek will now face either Elena Rybakina or Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals.

A potential final against reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff could also be on the cards if both players progress.

With momentum building in Rome, Swiatek appears increasingly determined to reclaim her dominance on clay after a quieter run over the past year.

Raducanu set for Strasbourg return

Elsewhere, Emma Raducanu is preparing to return to competitive action at the Internationaux de Strasbourg after several months out due to illness. The British No. 1 has not played since Indian Wells in March after battling a post-viral condition that first affected her earlier this year.

Raducanu had travelled to Rome and trained ahead of the Italian Open but ultimately decided she was not fully ready to compete.

Accepting a wildcard entry into Strasbourg will provide the 23-year-old with valuable clay-court preparation ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.

SportsLigue