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Iga Swiatek ended Coco Gauff’s unbeaten run as she beat the American 6-2 6-3 in the China Open semi-finals on Saturday.
Swiatek dropped to No. 2 in the world after the US Open, won by Gauff, and has chance to triumph in another WTA 1000 final when she faces the winner of Elena Rybakina and Liudmila Samsonova in Sunday’s final.
The win avenges Swiatek’s defeat at the Cincinnati Open semi-finals at the hands of the American teenager.
Gauff had 16 consecutive wins to her name since starting the Cincinnati Open in August, and Polish player Swiatek – after bringing her opponent’s streak to an end – said after the match that she felt back to something like her best.
“I’m really happy with my performance,” Swiatek said on court. “It feels like I can play freely again, so I’m really happy.
“It’s been a while since I felt that way. So I’ll remember for the rest of my career that even though tougher times may come, in your mind, you can always overcome that. And with hard work, you can achieve it.
“I’m happy that I switched my attitude after US Open, and hopefully I’ll be able to keep it for as long as possible.”
Swiatek has four titles to her name so far this season and a fifth would be the most of anyone on the WTA Tour in 2023.
Swiatek put in a commanding performance and did not face a break point in the opening set – and committed just four unforced errors – as she played strongly from deep, and broke her opponent at 3-1, on the way to claiming the first set after 40 minutes.
In the second set, she broke Gauff straightaway to go 2-0 up with the American then needing a medical timeout for a shoulder problem.
Swiatek dominated with her serve, losing just eight points on it, while Gauff was unable to match her opponent for consistency and bowed out ahead of Sunday’s finale.
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