Wuhan Open: Swiatek moves into last eight defeating Bencic

Pole Iga Swiatek, the second seed and world No. 2, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open with a hard-fought 7-6(2), 6-4 victory against Swiss No. 13 seed Belinda Bencic at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center on Thursday afternoon.

Swiatek, who earlier displayed dominant form against Czech Marie Bouzkova with a 6-1, 6-1 win, faced her toughest test yet in Bencic, who pushed the Pole to the brink in a contest lasting over two hours. Swiatek’s mental toughness and tactical boldness proved decisive, especially in the tightly contested first-set tiebreak, where she prevailed 7-2.

“I wanted to play with confidence and make courageous decisions,” said Swiatek post-match. “It was super tough; every point mattered in such a close battle.”

Swiatek – Paolini next

Bencic, currently ranked No. 15 and no stranger to physical and mental challenges, had gained momentum in the tournament after a second-round bye caused by the withdrawal of Belgian Elise Mertens and a convincing win over Croatian wildcard Donna Vekic (6-2, 6-2). Still, she struggled to find answers against Swiatek’s depth and aggression.

Next up for Swiatek is a quarter-final matchup against Italian No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, a rematch of the Cincinnati final back in August, which Swiatek won 7-5, 6-4. “Jasmine is a tough opponent, a fighter who never gives up,” Swiatek acknowledged. “I’ll prepare well and be ready.”

Wuhan WTA 1000, other last 16 results (Optics Valley International Tennis Center, hard, USD 3.654.963, most recent results first):

• Shuai Zhang vs. Coco Gauff

• Elena Rybakina (8) beat Linda Noskova: 6-3, 6-4
• Jasmine Paolini beat Clara Tauson (10): 3-6, 6-1, 3-1 ret.
• Laura Siegemund beat Magdalena Frech: 6-4, 7-6 (2)
• Katerina Siniakova (Q) beat Iva Jovic (LL): 7-5, 6-3
• Aryna Sabalenka (1) beat Liudmila Samsonova (16): 6-3, 6-2
• Jessica Pegula (6) beat Ekaterina Alexandrova (9): 7-5, 3-6, 6-3