Iga Swiatek came from a set and a break down to improve her career record against Germans to a perfect 10-0 on Monday as the top seed started the second week of the US Open with a fightback win into the quarter-finals.
The Polish world No. 1 defeated Jule Niemeier, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist two months ago, 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 in just under two and a half hours, clocking her 19th “bagel” set of the season.
Swiatek finished with 19 winners and 31 unforced errors while her opponent had 24 and 45 respectively.
Swiatek will take on Jessica Pegula in the Wednesday quarter-finals after the American eight seed beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-2 in their fourth-round meeting.
“For sure I’m pretty happy that I didn’t give up, just tried to find some solutions in the second and third sets,” the winner said.
“The match was pretty physical; at the end I felt I had more power.
“I’m happy I was solid in those important moments.”
She added: “I feel more confident every match, but still I’m trying not to get my expectations too high because I know anything can happen.
“I don’t want to overthink, so I’m just focused on the next match. But during the match I’m just focused on the next point.”
Pegula reached the last eight of her home major for the first time with her defeat of Kvitova, playing for the seventh time in the New York fourth round.
The No. 8 is into her third quarter-final this season, losing to the eventual champions (Australia, Ash Barty and Roland Garros Swiatek) in both previous instances.
The American whose billionaire father owns the NFL Buffalo Bills advanced in 73 minutes, breaking Kvitova six times from seven chances.
“I’m always on edge playing Petra, she can hit winners from anywhere, can get really hot and kind of make you feel like crap,” Pegula said.
“I’m so happy that I did not get frustrated today, and stayed in the match, even if I was down a break or just got broken.
“I returned really well and ended up serving really smart when I had to.”
The American was psyched to have reached the second week of a Slam for the third time in 2022.
“Especially in New York, everything is so hectic and crazy and you can feel really overwhelmed.
“I love the feeling, and when a second week starts – it’s so quiet and (you feel as if) everyone is gone. That’s always a great feeling and motivation.”
Swiantek has won two of three meetings with Pegula including Miami and Roland Garros this season.
Main photo;- Jessica Pegula reaches the last eight of her home slam – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
