Emma Raducanu’s run at the Stuttgart Open came to an end against Iga Swiatek in a straight-sets quarter-final defeat. Swiatek, the world No. 1, won 7-6(2) 6-3 in just over two hours and set up a semi-final date with Elena Rybakina. Swiatek commended Raducanu for her intensity during the match, despite not converting all of her break points. Swiatek remains unbeaten at the event and will continue her bid for a third consecutive title in Germany.
Although Raducanu put up a tough fight, Swiatek was able to dominate the second set without facing any break points. Swiatek holds a perfect 3-0 record against Raducanu, winning every set in their matches. However, Swiatek believes that Raducanu has the potential to climb the rankings once again. Raducanu’s comeback from an injury-hit 2023 showed promise as she won four matches in a row for the first time since her US Open triumph in 2021. Swiatek is gearing up for a shot at a fourth Roland-Garros title in five years and will go to Paris as the two-time defending champion.
Rybakina also advanced to the semi-finals in Stuttgart for the first time by beating Jasmine Paolini in three sets. The fourth seed is aiming for her third title of the season and is set to face Swiatek in the semi-final, a rematch of their encounter at the Qatar Open final where Swiatek emerged victorious. Sabalenka, the second seed, was stunned by Marketa Vondrousova in an eventful quarter-final clash that saw Vondrousova reach her first semi-final since her shock win at Wimbledon last year.
Vondrousova will face either Coco Gauff or Marta Kostyuk for a spot in the final, with the match featuring 13 breaks of serve and a high number of winners and unforced errors. Swiatek’s impressive form at the Stuttgart Open and upcoming Roland-Garros title defense will be one to watch for tennis fans, as she looks to continue her dominance on the court. Raducanu’s performance at the event, despite the loss, showed that she has the potential to rise in the rankings once again and make her mark in the tennis world.
