PARIS, JUNE 9: Defending champion Iga Swiatek booked her place in the Roland-Garros final for the third time in four years after she ended the surprise run of 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, beating the Brazilian 6-2, 7-6(7) on Thursday.
The Pole had to come from a break down in each set and saved a set point in the second-set tiebreak as she won through to a final against unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova, who edged out No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set thriller earlier in the day. The win also ensured Swiatek will remain world No.1 after the tournament. Maia was causing the world No.1 problems early on, much to the delight of the former champion, Gustavo Kuerten, watching on in the stands. But Swiatek quickly found her feet and her range on her groundstrokes, breaking back immediately and then, at 3-2, showing incredible court coverage to chase down several shots from Maia that looked like winners. The pressure eventually told as the Brazilian put a drop shot in the net to give Swiatek a 4-2 lead. Maia continued to try to attack the Swiatek serve, standing well inside the baseline to receive and hammering winners. But Swiatek also served smartly, into the body at big moments, and then found the open court with her groundstrokes. A quick hold consolidated the break and Swiatek then sealed the set after 39 minutes when Maia sent a backhand over the baseline. The Brazilian forced a break point in the opening game of the second set but the top seed saved it with a good kick serve. But Maia was still asking the question and a rare poor forehand from Swiatek set up another breakpoint at 1-1 and this time the No.14 seed took it as a backhand landed just long. Maia consolidated for a 3-1 advantage. Maia lost her lead as Swiatek drew level for 3-all and the set fittingly went to a tiebreak. The 27-year-old from Sao Paulo led 5-3 and had a set point at 6-5 but missed a forehand. Swiatek missed one match point chance at 7-6 but made no mistake with the second to clinch victory after two hours and nine minutes. (UNI)
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