US Open 2024: Iga Swiatek beats Liudmila Samsonova to reach quarter-finals
World number one Iga Swiatek moved confidently into the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-set victory over Liudmila Samsonova.
The 23-year-old Pole was made to work by 16th seed Samsonova in the first set but came through in style for a 6-4 6-1 win.
It is just the second time Swiatek has reached the last eight at Flushing Meadows – she went on to lift the trophy on the previous occasion in 2022.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek will face American sixth seed Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
“At the beginning, I felt like we were playing men’s style, just holding our serves but I knew that if I kept pushing I may get some chances to break,” Swiatek said.
“That happened and I’m happy I was there to close [the first set]. Then I just wanted to keep being focused and not let my mind drift off.
“I’m happy with the whole performance. I’m feeling better and better every day.”
A closely-contested first set saw Samsonova save two break points to keep it on serve until the 10th game.
Swiatek had shown flashes of brilliance but, with the set there to be won, put all her tools together and claimed it with a break to love.
There was no stopping her in the second set and Samsonova was no match for her combination of speed around the court and powerful, precise shot-making.
The Russian held serve at 5-0 down to avoid the dreaded ‘bagel’ but Swiatek, who did not offer up a single break opportunity in the match, served it out to advance.
