World number one Iga Swiatek confidently advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open with a straight-set win over Liudmila Samsonova.
The 23-year-old Pole had to fight hard in the first set against 16th seed Samsonova, but won brilliantly with 6:4 and 6:1.
This is only the second time Swiatek has reached the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows, having last won the trophy in 2022.
Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek will face sixth-seeded American Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
“At the beginning I felt like we were playing men’s style and just holding serves, but I knew that if I kept pressing I might get some break opportunities,” Swiatek said.
“That happened and I’m glad I was there to finish (the first set). Then I just wanted to stay focused and not let it get away.”
“I am satisfied with the overall performance. I feel better every day.”
In the hard-fought first set, Samsonova fended off two break points and was able to hold her serve until the tenth game.
Swiatek had shown brilliant performances at times, but when the set was still up for grabs, she pulled together her skills and took the win with a break to zero.
In the second set she was unstoppable and Samsonova was no match for her combination of speed on the court and powerful, precise shots.
The Russian held her serve at 0:5 and was able to avoid the dreaded “bagel”, but Swiatek, who did not allow a single break chance in the entire match, served out and advanced.
