Former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is through to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the second time in her career after a 6-4, 6-1 win over Denmark's Clara Tauson on Monday at the All England Club.
The Dane, who upset former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the previous round to reach the Round of 16 at SW19 for the first time, received a medical timeout in the match, and Swiatek revealed that she told her she wasn't feeling well when the two shook hands.
"Even though the beginning was pretty shaky with the double faults, I managed to play well and solid," said Swiatek, who double-faulted four times in her first two service games but just once for the rest of the match. "I'm hoping she's going to have a good recovery and a fast one.
"It's never easy to keep your focus. I know that sometimes when I wasn't feeling well that I'd just let go of everything and it gives you a boost. I just tried to be ready for everything."
3: Swiatek is now 3-0 against Tauson in their careers -- and, in fact, went on to win the title at the only Hologic WTA Tour event where she faced Tauson previously: the 2022 BNP Paribas Open.
4: Swiatek has reached the quarterfinals or better at the last four consecutive Grand Slam events.
5: Swiatek will bid next to extend her head-to-head record against Liudmila Samsonova, the No. 19 seed, to 5-0. The two have never played on grass, but Swiatek has won eight straight sets against Samsonova dating back to dropping the first set of her three-set semifinal win against her at the 2022 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
7: Swiatek has now won seven grass-court matches in 2025, tying her highest mark in an entire season, which came in 2023.
12: Swiatek has now reached 12 Grand Slam quarterfinals in her career. She is the youngest player to reach a dozen quarterfinals at majors since Maria Sharapova reached her 12th at the 2008 Australian Open -- and since Swiatek's Grand Slam debut in 2019, only Aryna Sabalenka has reached more major quarterfinals. Sabalenka has 13 on her resume and counting.
It seems Iga Swiatek has definitely figured out grass this year. With every match she just seems to get more and more comfortable.
Sure today she didn't have the best start (with back to back doubles in a few games), but she didn't panic and just kept plugging away to recover and take the set in the end.
Instead of bashing the ball she's using her foot speed and defense counter punching skills to win points.
Feels like Iga fans have been waiting for this day since forever. She won 11 out of 12 points at the net, I even saw her use at least 3 really good slice shots.
And the serve once it stabilized just brought it all home.
I believe she even ended the match with back to back aces. The belief that she can play on this surface is really starting to flourish and it's wonderful to see.
Samsonova up next for Iga always tricky especially on the grass which will be their first meeting on the surface (serves quite well and had good variety). But she is essentially another power hitter so Iga will know how to deal with it.
The occasion of more than likely playing on centre court could prove vital as well, it will not surprise me if Samsonova does have some nerves that might effect things.
Iga will definitely have to keep things close on serve to put pressure on those nerves.
Iga has clearly started listening to Wim's advice and really taken it to heart.
He's finally made her realize that there's no need for her to just try and out hit her opponents on every surface (especially grass) something Tomasz Wiktorowski wasn't successful at.
Many have speculated that things like less pressure, better preparation on the grass or simply wanting to grow her skills as a player are the culprits for this year's success.
Whatever the reason for Iga being more receptive to Wim was I'm glad it's finally clicking.
I won't mention anything about stats till after the match because I don't want to jinx things, but needless to say I'm beyond excited and nervous.
Regardless of what happens Wednesday I'm just so damn happy and proud of Iga.
And so grateful for Wim who has convinced and reminded her where her talents lie and it's truly paying off.
Jazda!
3/3 - Iga Swiatek has made the quarter-finals at each of the first three Grand Slam events of the season for the first time in her career. Evolution.
12 - Iga Swiatek has become the youngest player to reach 12 Women's Singles Grand Slam quarter-finals since Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open 2008. Jewel.
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