Emma Raducanu vs Iga Swiatek LIVE: Updates and result from Tennis Grand Prix quarter-finals in Stuttgart
The 21-year-old Brit has returned to form but now faces the world No1 in the last eight of the Porsche Grand Prix
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Emma Raducanu’s progress in the Stuttgart Open was halted in straight sets by world number one Iga Swiatek. The Polish four-time grand slam champion, in her 100th week on top of the ATP world rankings, prevailed 7-6 (2) 6-3 to set up a semi-final showdown with Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina.
It was, however, an encouraging quarter-final performance from Raducanu, who has slipped to 303 in the world rankings after a torrid 2023.
Raducanu came in to the contest on a high after winning four matches in a row for the first time since her US Open title in 2021 and raised confidence levels were reflected in the opening exchanges.
“For sure it was an intense match so I’m glad I matched that for two hours,” said Swiatek. “Today a lot of break points didn’t convert but I’m glad I finished with a better second set than first. It was difficult for sure.
“Tennis is hard if you want to stay consistently on the top - I hope [Raducanu will] be able to do it because she has the game, but it’s not easy for sure.”
Follow the match in our live blog below and see our latest odds and tips across all sporting events here.
Swiatek 7-6 6-3 Raducanu
And that’s that for our Porsche Grand Prix coverage - Raducanu suffers a first defeat in five, but was far from disgraced with a gritty performance and she took Swiatek all the way in that first set. The Brit just didn’t have enough in her to trouble Swiatek’s service continually.
A quarter-final exit for her in Stuttgart, but her lowly ranking of outside the top 300 in the world should get a massive boost after this run to the last eight - the expectation is of a rise to around No.220.
Keep up this form and a return to the top 100 won’t be far away.
Swiatek 7-6 6-3 Raducanu
Stats-wise, 30 winners to 20 for Swiatek. 19 to 14 unforced errors too, with the Pole making more.
But 3/11 break points won for her, and just 1/1 for Raducanu. That was the big difference - Swiatek just held her serve so forcefully.
Swiatek 7-6 6-3 Raducanu
More from Swiatek who is back into the semis:
“In 2022 I felt really great, there were a lot of moments I felt [on top of the world]. Tournaments were showing me hard work pays off and in sport in general you will have better results if you’re working hard.”
Swiatek 7-6 6-3 Raducanu
Swiatek speaks after the result:
“For sure it was an intense match so I’m glad I matched that for two hours. Today a lot of break points didn’t convert but I’m glad I finished with a better second set than first. It was difficult for sure.
“Tennis is hard if you want to stay consistently on the top - I hope [Raducanu will] be able to do it because she has the game, but it’s not easy for sure.
“In the back of my mind I knew I could play tennis better than my peers but overall I’m more neutral than an optimistic person, I see things as they are. I feel everybody creates this image you have to have faith from somewhere that pushes you but for me I have good principles, I keep working hard and it doesn’t have to be [an] Instagram story.”
Swiatek 7-6 6-3 Raducanu
The clock ticks to two hours as Raducanu starts her latest service game and must hold to stay in the match.
A second double fault from the Brit of the day to Swiatek’s one is a cheap giveaway, before the next rally sees her shoot long and it’s 15-30.
Powers of recovery required once more from the 21-year-old, but Swiatek has the scent of victory and powers her way to two match points.
Raducanu goes again but the Pole will not be denied and when one more shot goes long, Swiatek is celebrating - the three-peat is still on!
Game, set and match Swiatek, 7-6, 6-3.
Swiatek 5-3 Raducanu* (7-6)
After that good performance in the last game, this is perhaps the one where Raducanu will want to push on and try to break back. She did break Swiatek’s service in the first game of the match, but not again since.
An unforced error from Swiatek makes it 15-30 and there’s just a question to be asked - but an attempted dropshot from Raducanu falls wide and lets the Pole off the hook.
She does not give a second opportunity and is one game from winning the match.
*Swiatek 4-3 Raducanu (7-6)
We’re at an hour 50 minutes now - Swiatek’s last-round match was over and done with in barely an hour and a half.
Raducanu continues to show fight and quality in equal measure, but one missed step sees her send a backhand passing shot straight into the net - looked like maybe she changed her mind. That’s 30-30 and she’s very annoyed with herself.
She more than makes up for it though with some greate defensive play and then a perfect judgement call to gamble left on a Swiatek volley - and produces the return to win the point and game with the Pole high up at the net.
Swiatek 4-2 Raducanu* (7-6)
Raducanu produces a couple more very good strikes to try and put herself on the front foot, try and push the boundaries a little more and get herself in with a shout of breaking back, but Swiatek keeps finding time to dictate the direction of each rally and duly holds once more.
*Swiatek 3-2 Raducanu (7-6)
Swiatek’s fierce return clips the line and the Polish superstar is happy with that - a clench of the fists and a clap from the crowd.
Raducanu does really well to stay in a rally twice including returning a volley, but eventually it’s one too many and a shot goes long for 15-30.
Another strike into the net means two break points for Swiatek, who is really swinging well now. Raducanu fights back once more but is just slowing up a little now in between points perhaps, while the Pole is bouncing about and looking hyperfocused.
That’s not enough to stop the Brit though who battles through and holds serve for 3-2.
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