Swiatek battles past Haddad Maia, into Roland-Garros final against Muchova

Iga Swiatek is into the final at Roland-Garros for the third time in her career after beating Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 7-6 (7) on Thursday evening. Swiatek recovered from a break down in each set to prevail after two hours and nine minutes.

The top-ranked Pole also trailed 5-3 in the second-set tiebreak, but Haddad Maia could not capitalize on her chances. After missing an easy volley at 5-3, the 14th seed from Brazil eventually missed a set point by netting a forehand. Haddad Maia also saved one match point with a forehand winner, but Swiatek converted her second opportunity at 8-7 with a clinching forehand into the open court.

13 STRAIGHT WINS IN PARIS FOR IGA!

🇵🇱 @iga_swiatek advances to her third #RolandGarros final, beating Haddad Maia 6-2 7-6(7)! pic.twitter.com/A1xoYfLSv6

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 8, 2023

“She was using the fact that she’s a lefty, she has a nice game for clay, plays top spin and plays aggressive,” Swiatek said of Haddad Maia. “She’s a fighter and showed that in every match she played here. I’m glad I was solid and I finished my last shots” said Swiatek.

Swiatek to face Muchova for Roland-Garros title

Swiatek will battle Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in Saturday’s final.

Prior to Thursday’s win, Swaitek defeated Spaniard Cristina Bucsa (6-4, 6-0), American Claire Liu (6-4, 6-0), Chinese Xinyu Wang (6-0, 6-0), Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko (5-1 ret.) and American Coco Gauff, the No 6 seed (6-4, 6-2).

It was still a remarkable tournament for Haddad Maia, who beat German Tatjana Maria (6-0, 6-1), Russian Diana Shnaider (6-2, 5-7, 6-4), Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, the No 23 seed (5-7, 6-4, 7-5), Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo (6-7 (3), 6-3, 7-5) and Tunisian Ons Jabeur, the No 7 seed (3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-1).

Roland-Garros, other semi-final result:

• Karolina Muchova beat Aryna Sabalenka (2): 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5

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