Swiatek conquers grass, reaches her first Wimbledon semi final

Iga Swiatek, the No. 8 seed, has broken new ground at Wimbledon, securing her first-ever spot in the tournament's semi-finals. In yet another clinical performance, the Polish star dispatched Liudmila Samsonova with a 6-2, 7-5 victory, showcasing her formidable adaptation to the grass courts of London.

Swiatek had previously failed to advance past the quarter-finals at SW19, with her only prior appearance at this stage resulting in a loss to Elina Svitolina two years ago. However, after what has been a challenging year where she has yet to claim a title, Swiatek has truly emerged as a revelation on the grass. For four of the past five years, the Pole has dominated at Roland-Garros, a major played on a surface vastly different from grass and occurring just three weeks before Wimbledon. While falling in the semi-finals there this year was a bitter blow, that earlier exit may have provided precisely what was needed for Swiatek to make a deep run at this year's Wimbledon.

She has looked formidable throughout her time in London so far, and her match against Samsonova was another display of high-quality, decisive tennis. Swiatek quickly claimed the first set with two unanswered breaks of serve. The second set proved closer and more competitive, with the Pole twice breaking serve only to be reeled back in by Samsonova each time. However, as a tiebreak loomed at 6-5, Swiatek seized her opportunity for a third time, clinching the straight-set victory and moving into her inaugural Wimbledon semi-final.

'I have goosebumps'

"Honestly, it feels great. I have goosebumps after this win. I am super happy and super proud of myself and I will keep going," Swiatek told the Court One crowd after her triumph. "I really enjoy playing [on grass] this year and hopefully it is going to last as long as possible. I worked hard to progress here on this surface. It is a pleasure to play in front of you guys so thank you for the support."

Swiatek, currently ranked No. 4, will now await the winner of the match between Russian Mirra Andreeva, the No. 7 seed, and Swiss Belinda Bencic for a spot in the final four. Prior to her quarter-final victory, the Pole had secured wins against Dane Clara Tauson (6-4, 6-1), American Danielle Collins (6-2, 6-3), American Catherine McNally (5-7, 6-2, 6-1), and Russian Polina Kudermetova (7-5, 6-1). Samsonova, ranked 19th, had also enjoyed a strong run in the tournament, defeating Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Australian Daria Kasatkina, Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva, and Australian Maya Joint in previous rounds.