Former world number 1 Chris Evert defended Iga Swiatek She said the WTA Tour should reduce the number of tournaments held during the year to protect players. She felt there were too many tournaments in the season and too many high-stakes matches for players.
While Swiatek’s comments divided opinion among fans and pundits, former American player Evert came to her defense. She said she could understand the The concerns of the Poles and added that it was an important topic to discuss.
I certainly can understand Iga Swiatek concern about playing too many tournaments, especially when you go deep in tournaments every week. Adding in the Olympics and much more depth in the game, it’s an important topic….Chris Evert wrote about X
I can certainly understand @iga_swiatek worry about playing too many tournaments, especially when you go deep in tournaments each week. Add in the @Olympic Games and much more depth in the game, this is an important topic…. https://t.co/vdPnmy2tbq
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 18, 2024
Swiatek, who won the French Open this year and reached the third round of the Australian Open and Wimbledon, was recently in action at the Paris Olympics. She reached the semifinals and lost to the Chinese Qinwen Zheng 6-2, 7-5.
The 23-year-old, although disappointed not to reach the final, managed to win the bronze medal by beating Slovakia. Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-2, 6-1 in the bronze medal match.
Iga Swiatek beats Mirra Andreeva to face Aryna Sabalenka in semifinal at Cincinnati Open
Iga Swiatek fought from one set to defeated teenager Mirra Andreeva and stay alive at the Cincinnati Open. She beat the 17-year-old 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 30 minutes to book her place in the semi-finals.
Swiatek has made 10 quarterfinal appearances this season and won all of them. By beating Andreeva, she recorded her 30th victory at the WTA 1000 level this year. Only Serena Williams (36 wins in 2013) has won more matches at this level in a single season in the last 15 years.
The next clash for the world number 1 is a clash with Aryna Sabalenkawho crossed Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 19 minutes. Swiatek and Sabalenka are facing each other for the 12th time on the WTA Tour.
Swiatek leads Sabalenka 8-2. They have already met twice this year, in the finals in Madrid and Rome, with the Olympic bronze medallist coming out on top both times. The clash of the two in the semi-final is scheduled to take place on Sunday (August 18).
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