(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Coco Gauff, after an overall fought first set, had to surrender for the second time to the overwhelming power shown by Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinal matches played at the Roland Garros 2023. The American tried to worry the WTA number one by playing very aggressive tennis in memory of the final she clearly lost last year in Paris, but she shut down in the main phase of the first set, losing the serve to zero at 4-5.
The Pole will therefore have the possibility of reaching the final at the Roland Garros for the second consecutive yearthe third of her career. To achieve the important goal, Swiatek will have to deal with a Beatriz Haddad, player Maia in great shape.
Swiatek: “Being the defending champion puts pressure on you”
In the press conference, Iga told: “I am happy that I was solid in the important moments and that I reached the semifinals again at the Roland Garros. It’s a great result no matter how the tournament ends.
The semifinal is really a great result. Playing the tournament as the defending champion puts a lot of pressure on you. I don’t think about the title already, especially when I play a Grand Slam tournament. I’m happy to show my continuity at Roland Garros and play well every year.” The Brazilian won her only predecessor in Toronto in 2022: “She’s certainly a fighter, she showed it again today.
I’ll have to be ready. I’ve never played against her on clayYou have to play every point 100% against her. We played in Toronto, the surface is different, so we’ll see.” Swiatek pushed herself to the semifinals without worries and literally dominated every game.
A prospect that does not seem to worry her in view of her upcoming commitments: “I’m not worried about that. I can play well regardless of the result. I’ve already won games quite easily and then played equally well.”