Iga Swiatek delivered a commanding performance to defeat Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday, advancing to the Italian Open semifinals in Rome. The three-time champion in the Italian capital needed just over an hour to dispatch the fifth seed, showcasing the form that earned her four French Open titles.
Dominant Display on Clay
Swiatek's victory was a statement on her preferred surface, reminiscent of her Roland Garros triumphs. She broke Pegula's serve multiple times and dictated play from the baseline. "I feel much better," Swiatek said. "I have a lot of confidence in my shots. I used that from the beginning and kept putting pressure on Jessie. I'm really happy with how I played."
The world No. 3 will face either second seed Elena Rybakina or Elina Svitolina in the semifinals. A potential final against reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff looms on Saturday.
Raducanu to Return in Strasbourg
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu is set to make her comeback at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, starting Saturday. The British No. 1 has been sidelined since Indian Wells in March due to a post-viral illness that first struck in February, forcing her to withdraw from four consecutive events. Raducanu trained in Rome but decided she wasn't ready to compete there.
Accepting a wild card into Strasbourg will give the 23-year-old valuable match practice on clay ahead of the French Open, which begins on 24 May.
