Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek will face each other for the 13th time on the WTA Tour when they square off in the semi-final of the Cincinnati Open and both stars are expecting a big challenge.
The pair enjoyed contrasting wins in the quarter-final as Swiatek played only five games and was leading 4-1 when Elena Rybakina retired due to a leg injury while Pegula battled for more than two hours as she needed three sets to beat Amanda Anisimova, eventually winning 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4).
It should be a good encounter in Mason on Saturday as both are in good form with Swiatek winning the Canadian Open last week while Pegula finished runner-up at the Washington DC Open and made the round of 16 in Toronto.
Although Swiatek leads the head-to-head 7-5 and also won their most recent encounter in Rome, the rivalry has been pretty even recently as they are 4-4 in the last eight clashes.
Pegula also won their last match on hard courts, but that was nearly four years ago at the US Open.
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The American is confident of her ball-striking abilities, although she admits that Swiatek’s confidence spells danger.
“I would describe myself as pretty strategic and someone that’s always open to learning and getting better,” the third seed stated. “I think I’m a great ball striker. I’ve only gotten better, even this year I’ve improved on so many things.
“I would describe myself as even-keeled and a balanced tennis players that’s given me a lot of longevity and consistency over the last few years.”
Pegula added: “I feel Iga has gotten back to her game a little bit, found her footing and her base with just winning matches. We used to see her win pretty straightforward, nothing crazy. I think a confident Iga is always scary.”
Following poor clay and grass-court campaigns with her Wimbledon defence ending with a third-round defeat to Alex Eala, Swiatek has bounced back in style with many believing we are seeing the “old Swiatek” again.
The defending Cincinnati Open champion knows Pegula will be a difficult opponent, especially in front of her home crowd.
“Jessie looks different than me on the court, but she has a great feeling and great ability to predict where the opponents are going to play,” the Pole said. “So the ball is really hard coming from her racket and tricky. For sure, it’s going to be a challenge.
“American players also are more pumped to play in American tournaments, so I’ll be ready for her best version. We played many tough matches against each other, and for sure she likes also playing here, so I’ll be ready.”
The winner will go on to face either two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff or 20-year-old Sara Bejlek – who took out world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka – in the final.
