I didn't share my thoughts on the semi in Montreal (which was also close). So I'll share of few on Cincy. I would say this one might have been even better in terms of quality.
A lot of people always go on and on about Iga's serving being a weakness etc. but that wasn't the problem today.
Today the other player was simply better in the bigger moments (and sure had a slightly higher first serve percentage) but Iga actually won more points over all in the match.
Just not in key moments. That's what decided the match.
I am so proud of the way she fought. Saved 3 match points and had a chance to break back. Coco was just solid.
Iga had beaten Coco 7 times in a row without losing a set. It stands to reason that she would learn from those losses, and eventually succeed.
Today was that day.
I'm not using this as an excuse but Iga did mention she didn't have enough in the tank today, when you play someone who's younger than you and as physical as Coco and aren't at your physical peak it makes things exponentially harder.
Iga has played for 2 weeks straight with no days off in between. Reaching semi finals in both events if that doesn't make you tired physically as well as mentally, you're not human.
This result is a huge improvement over last year where she lost early. So positive progress either way.
When you have an extraordinary season like Iga had last year winning 8 titles any result following that will feel like a disappointment.
When in fact it's still pretty extraordinary.
It's completely unrealistic to think Iga can repeat 2022 anyway. That kind of season may only happen once or twice in a player's whole career.
In terms of this tournament I was most proud of and, pleasantly surprised by how often Iga successfully ventured to the net ( I had been wanting her to do that more for the past 2 years)
So it was really wonderful to see her doing that as a way to surprise her opponent and change up the rhythm.
I hope Iga is able to now take a few days to recharge maybe not think about tennis for a bit.
Things are going to get very interesting and intense in a week's time at U.S. Open this year.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will well and truly battle for the #1 ranking with only 11 points separating them now.
Whoever wins more matches takes it.
If they win the same number it'll go to Sabalenka.
But of course the season is far from over so even if it does happen, something tells me Iga will get it back before the year is through.
They often say you learn more from your losses then your wins, I have no doubt that Iga will learn from this and come back even stronger.
Rest up Iga, see you in New York.
Jazda!
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