Emma Raducanu congratulates Iga Swiatek after her win through the BNP Paribas Open – Getty Images
World No 1 Iga Swiatek continued her Indian Wells title defence with a 6-3 6-1 victory over Emma Raducanu on Tuesday to arrange a quarter-final in opposition to unseeded Romanian Sorana Cirstea.
Swiatek got here underneath stress early within the opening set however some clear ballstriking helped her maintain for a 3-2 lead after two tight service video games. She raised her degree additional to interrupt Raducanu within the subsequent sport earlier than pulling away.
Having wrapped up the primary set when Raducanu despatched a shot lengthy from the baseline, Swiatek grabbed an early break within the second to heap the stress on the Briton, whose unforced errors started to mount.
Swiatek, bidding to turn into solely the second feminine participant to efficiently defend the Indian Wells title after Martina Navratilova in 1990-91, raced to a 5-1 lead taking part in flawless tennis and operating her opponent ragged.
The US Open champion closed out the win when Raducanu struck the online on serve in a tame finish to her advantageous run within the Southern California desert.
Emma Raducanu in motion in opposition to Iga Swiatek – Getty Images
Earlier within the day, Coco Gauff rallied from a break down within the remaining set to beat Swede Rebecca Peterson 6-3 1-6 6-4 and attain the quarters for the primary time.
After taking the primary set, the sixth-seeded American started to battle together with her forehand within the second and an opportunistic Peterson utilized the stress by coming into the online.
But after struggling an early break within the decider, Gauff stepped up her protection, warding off three break factors at 4-4 and breaking Peterson for a fourth time on match level to e book her spot within the final eight.
Gauff, who turned 19 on Monday, was later serenaded with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ by the group.
“Today, it was only a psychological factor, staying within the match,” Gauff mentioned.
“I wasn’t taking part in my greatest in some moments and wasn’t serving in addition to I’d wish to, however I feel my mentality saved me in at the moment.”
