Swiatek Drops One Game To Samsonova In Dubai, Gauff Gets Walkover From Rybakina
In Dubai, world No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek kept rolling crushing the 14th-seeded Liudmila Samsonova in two sets 6-1, 6-0.
Swiatek broke the Russian five times and never faced a break point. The top seed won the last 11 games of the contest.
“I’m just trying to be really solid and focused on every point,” said Swiatek. “I’m happy it’s working. I realized in Australia that my mindset wasn’t great, I was stressed with the season starting and being World No.1, so I’m starting from the beginning with a clean page.”
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced ousting defending champion Jelena Ostapenko in three sets 2-6, 6-1, 6-1. Sabalenka 12 of the last 14 games after dropping the opening set. She improves to 2-0 against the Latvian.
No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula topped Ana Bogdan of Romania 6-4, 6-3.
Two more former champions fell as Karolina Muchova upset No. 8 seed Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-4, and Barbora Krejcikova knocked out countrywoman Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-2.
Karolina Pliskova had to fight off Anhelina Kalinina in three sets 7-5, 6-7(6-8), 6-2 and Madison Keys upset 2-time winner Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 6-1. Pliskova was slated to meeting Swiatek tomorrow but the Czech withdrew before Thursday’s match.
In a much-anticipated match-up, Elina Rybakina withdrew ahead of her match with Coco Gauff due to a back injury.
Tomorrow’s quarterfinal line-up features No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka – Barbora Krejcikova, No. 3 Jessica Pegula – Karolina Muchova and No. 5 Coco Gauff – Madison Keys.
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