World No. 1 Iga Swiatek admitted it was a tough battle against Liudmila Samsonova but she was glad she managed to overcome the Samsonova challenge and progress into the Stuttgart final.Ā
Swiatek, 20, won her 22nd consecutive match after recovering from a set down to beat world No. 31 Samsonova 6-7 (4) 6-4 7-5 in the Stuttgart semifinal.Ā
It was the first meeting between the two.
“For sure it was tough, and it seemed like a marathon,” Swiatek said afterward, per the WTA website. “It had many ups and downs, and I had to stay focused and find solutions. … I knew that Liudmila played really great tennis, and I felt that on my racquet, so all credit to her.”
Swiatek praises Aryna Sabalenka
Swiatek will be battling world No. 4 Sabalenka for the Stuttgart title.Ā
Swiatek and Sabalenka will be going head-to-head for the third time in their respective careers when they meet in the Stuttgart final.Ā
Sabalenka and Swiatek met for the first time at the WTA Finals last year and back then Sabalenka claimed a three-set win.Ā
Earlier this year in Doha, Swiatek claimed a routine straight-set win over Sabalenka.Ā
Swiatek callled Sabalenka “a great player” and said she will have to be aggressive and focused.
“Aryna, she’s a great player, and everybody knows that,” said Swiatek. “I have to be ready for everything, and just focus on myself, and be aggressive and be solid. We’re gonna see. I just hope it’s going to be a good match.”
Swiatek’s run started in Doha, the tournament where she won her last meeting versus Sabalenka.Ā
Swiatek is now just one win away from winning her fourth consecutive title.Ā
Swiatek won Doha, Indian Wells and Miami, before kicking off her clay season this week in Stuttgart.Ā
Sabalenka, who had a rough start to the year, is enjoying a good campaign in Stuttgart and she is certainly hoping to win her first title of the year.Ā
Swiatek enters the final as the favorite but Sabalenka certainly can’t be taken for granted.