Iga Swiatek has finally broken her Wimbledon jinx, reaching her first-ever semifinal at the prestigious tournament by defeating Liudmila Samsonova.
Flying Under the Radar
For years, all eyes were on Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. After dominating the clay courts, winning multiple French Open titles, the big question was always whether she could translate that success to the fast, low-bouncing grass.
This year, things were different. Having lost her clay crown earlier in the season and with her ranking slightly lower, Swiatek arrived in London without the usual crushing expectations. She was seeded eighth and wasn’t seen as a frontrunner, allowing her to play with less pressure.
A Calm Path to the Semifinals
Swiatek’s quarterfinal victory over Liudmila Samsonova (6-2, 7-5) wasn’t about flashy winners. Instead, it was a masterclass in consistency and composure. She rode out a spirited comeback from Samsonova, choosing calm, neutral shots over aggressive risks.
A crucial moment came in the second set, with the score tied at 5-5 and Swiatek down 0-30. In the past, this might have been a breaking point for her on grass. However, newfound confidence, perhaps from a solid French Open run and a recent grass-court final in Germany, allowed her to stay calm, hit key winners, and close out the match decisively.
A Significant Grand Slam Milestone
This achievement places Swiatek in an elite group. She is now only the fourth active player, alongside Victoria Azarenka, Karolina Pliskova, and Aryna Sabalenka, to reach the semifinal stage at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
The idea that grass is her biggest weakness might be overblown. Swiatek actually won the junior Wimbledon title in 2018. Her past struggles often stemmed from trying to maintain her ultra-aggressive clay-court style on a surface that demands different tactics.
This year, she’s adapted her playing style. Instead of going for broke on every point, she’s incorporated more deft touches, drop shots, and effective net play. Her serve has also been remarkably solid, boasting the highest first-serve points won percentage in the women’s draw at 77.4%.
Who’s Next for Swiatek?
In the semifinal, Swiatek will face Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. The unseeded 28-year-old has made a remarkable return to the sport after giving birth, reaching this stage a year after missing all the Majors. Bencic also benefited from a favorable draw and played an impressive match to defeat seventh-seeded Mirra Andreeva in two tiebreakers.
- Iga Swiatek reached her first Wimbledon semifinal.
- She is now one of only four active players to make the semifinals at all four Grand Slams.
- Her success is attributed to a calmer, more consistent playing style on grass.
- An improved serve and tactical variety have been key to her progress.
Swiatek’s newfound serenity on grass is clearly paying off, setting the stage for an exciting challenge ahead at the All England Club.
