Iga Swiatek made an easy transition from her US Open disappointment as she cruised into the quarter-finals of the Korea Open in Seoul, where she will face Barbora Krejcikova. The world number two, who suffered an unexpected loss at the US Open to Amanda Anisimova, had no such troubles against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. Swiatek won the match 6-3, 6-2, showing remarkable composure and focus in the process.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, appeared comfortable despite the heavy rain that had disrupted play throughout the week. The conditions at the Korea Open were far removed from the ones at the US Open, where Swiatek had been ousted in straight sets by Anisimova in the quarter-finals. Reflecting on the differences, she said, “For sure, the conditions are much different from our last tournament,” while expressing her joy at being back in Seoul, especially on the rain-free days.
The match against Cirstea saw Swiatek take control early, securing the first set after 49 minutes on her sixth set point. She built on this momentum in the second set, breaking Cirstea immediately and never letting her opponent back into the match. Despite a couple of minor errors, Swiatek finished the contest with relative ease, ensuring her place in the quarter-finals.
Swiatek’s upcoming opponent, Krejcikova, will provide a stern test. The Czech player fought hard to overcome Emma Raducanu in a dramatic match, winning 4-6, 7-6 (12/10), 6-1. Krejcikova, unseeded in Seoul, came from behind after Raducanu had squandered three match points. The British player, the 2021 US Open champion and eighth seed in the tournament, had been in control for much of the match but was unable to close it out, with Krejcikova capitalizing on the late-game tension.
Meanwhile, second seed Ekaterina Alexandrova also advanced to the quarter-finals, where she will face Germany’s Ella Seidel. Both women will look to secure a spot in the semi-finals as they chase the coveted title.
As the Korea Open moves into its final stages, all eyes will be on Swiatek and Krejcikova’s battle, a match that promises to be an exciting contest between two of the WTA’s most formidable players.
