Swiatek overcomes Kerber: IW round-up

Iga Swiatek came back from a set down again to book her quarterfinal berth at Indian Wells with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Germany’s Angelique Kerber.

Swiatek, the highest ranked player left in the event, said after the win Kerber had played a different game to eat she had expected and it too a while for her to figure our how to play her.

“Truth be told, I wasn’t really sure what my tactics should be, if I should be more aggressive or play more patient game,” she said.

“But at the end I think I made the right decision in right time, in right moments of the match.

“I felt like she wanted to use her experience and kind of trick me,” Swiatek said. “But I like that because it’s like a new experience for me.”

Swiatek next faces American Madison Keys, who beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-1, 6-4.

Simona Halep was another to make the last eight, sweeping past compatriot Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-4.

She will play Petra Martic, who beat Liudmila Samsonova 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, for a place in the semifinals.

No.6 ranked Maria Sakkari went through with a victory over Australian qualifier Daria Saville, who was down 4-1 when she was forced to retire with a thigh injury.

Sakkari will play Elena Rybakina, who beat Viktorija Golubic 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.