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 2-1 Raducanu (7-6)
Two break points saved by Raducanu, then she produces a deft drop shot to pick her first advantage of the game and a fierce serve can’t be returned.
After the fall and losing the initial point, that’s a brave and excellent hold of service as we approach the hour and a half mark.
*Swiatek 2-0 Raducanu (7-6)
Raducanu loses her footing entirely this time and goes sprawling to gound - plenty of clay and ground dust over her, but no injury or lingering hurt it seems, thankfully.
She shows good focus though to gather herself, show some poise and win the next point - then thinks she’s won the next even when it’s called out. Down goes the umpire once more...and he agrees. Replay the point is the ruling - but fortune is on Swiatek’s side as a return clips the net, bounces up and drops just over, way too far from Raducanu for her to chase.
Swiatek has the chance to go a double break up now at the start of this set - but Raducanu holds. Back to deuce.
Swiatek 2-0 Raducanu* (7-6)
One ace today for Raducanu so far is all, but 18 winners to 13 in favour of Swiatek. More unforced errors too, mind, 11 to 6.
The Brit misses a passing chance by firing a volley into the net and then the Pole produces another accurate, unstoppable shot across court and into the corner.
Raducanu responds well though to force matters and temporarily halt the Polish momentum juggernaut, back to 30-30, before another unforced, looping error of a shot leaves her looking frustrated and Swiatek moves clear.
*Swiatek 1-0 Raducanu (7-6)
Swiatek looks ominously as though she’s really getting to grips with matters now. That first set took 70 minutes in total.
The Pole zooms through this game though, taking a 0-40 lead within a few minutes and Raducanu has to just hang in there at the moment.
She can’t change the course of this game though and Swiatek’s backhand delivers an immediate service break at the start of the second set.
Swiatek 7-6 Raducanu - tiebreak: 7-2
Another tremendous shot into the corner makes it 4-0 and Swiatek’s fans sound their appreciation. Raducanu badly needs to find something here to claw back ground and is fighting bravely - she gets the one point when Swiatek sends one wide.
Two serves of her own now to close the gap - but the first is missed out on as she fires a shot long past the baseline. That’s 5-1.
Back she comes for her next serve and keeps her head to send one spinning past Swiatek again, 5-2.
Swiatek has the composure to keep her own serve intact though and duly wraps up the first set with two more points of her own, 7-2 in the tiebreaker.
Swiatek 6-6 Raducanu - tiebreak: 3-0
Swiatek picks up the first mini break of the tiebreak with some more fast footwork. Raducanu tries to force matters with her second service but Swiatek smashes it back into the corner for a three-point lead.
*Swiatek 6-6 Raducanu
Raducanu’s approach of serving one side, forehand to the other and then forehand back to that same corner for the third shot has been paying dividends, Swiatek unable to turn across court in time twice on the clay.
She does this twice and then finishes the game expertly - we’ll head to a tiebreak for the first set.
Swiatek 6-5 Raducanu*
Swiatek responds in kind with a couple of good serves and well-placed shots in rallies. The focus in both players is evident but the Pole’s footwork sees her get across the ground superbly.
Emphatic finish with her final serve and shot and that’s another great service game for the No1 seed.
*Swiatek 5-5 Raducanu
Powerful replies by Swiatek to win the first two points of the game and put some real pressure on Raducanu.
She responds well to win a rally next, then a brilliant second serve isn’t returned. Swiatek wants a second opinion on the service and the umpire comes down to check - still on the line he says and it’s 30-30.
Then it’s fist-clench time as Raducanu battles away and beats the Pole with a fine shot into the corner; one more big serve and fast return across Swiatek’s running path and Raducanu holds her serve from two points down.
Swiatek 5-4 Raducanu*
Swiatek returns in dominant mood with her own game and rattles off three points without reply before a beautiful passing backhand for consecutive service games to love.
Raducanu must now hold serve to stay in the set.
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