Iga Swiatek has improved a stunning statistic that demonstrates her remarkable consistency at WTA 1000 tournaments by reaching the semi-finals in Cincinnati.
The world No 1 won an enthralling first encounter with 17-year-old Russian star Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the quarter-finals in Cincinnati.
Following her win against the world No 24, Swiatek said: “She’s playing and behaving like she’s older.
“I felt like we were playing at a similar level. It was really tight. Every point mattered at the end. It wasn’t easy.”
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Swiatek will face world No 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals in Cincinnati in what will be the pair’s 12th meeting. She holds an 8-3 record against her Belarusian rival and won their two previous encounters this season.
The Polish great is through to her 17th WTA 1000 level semi-final and she holds the record for the highest percentage of last four appearances at this category of tournament.
Here are the five players with the highest rate of WTA 1000 semi-finals reached since the format was introduced in 2009.
1. Iga Swiatek – 17 semi-finals from 31 appearances (54.8%)
Swiatek is playing the 31st WTA 1000 event of her career in Cincinnati and she has reached the last four or better in 54.8% of her appearances.
The 23-year-old has won 10 WTA 1000 titles from her previous 30 tournaments at this level and is looking to triumph in Cincinnati for the first time.
2. Serena Williams – 26 semi-finals from 49 appearances (53.1%)
Serena Williams progressed to 26 semi-finals at the 49 WTA 1000 tournaments she competed in, giving her a 53.1% semi-final rate.
The American legend won 13 WTA 1000 titles after the category came into force.
=3. Maria Sharapova – 22 semi-finals from 50 appearances (44%)
Maria Sharapova made 22 last four appearances from the 50 WTA 1000 events she featured in, giving her a 44% semi-final rate.
The Russian great claimed eight WTA 1000 titles from 2009 onwards.
=3. Ashleigh Barty – 11 semi-finals from 25 appearances (44%)
Ashleigh reached the semi-finals at 11 of the 25 WTA 1000 tournaments she played, which equates to 44% — an identical percentage to Sharapova.
The Australian icon secured three WTA 1000 titles.
5. Simona Halep – 29 semi-finals from 86 appearances (33.7%)
Simona Halep has advanced to 29 WTA 1000 semi-finals from her 86 appearances at this level to date, leaving her with a 33.7% last four rate.
The Romanian star has collected nine WTA 1000 titles so far in her career.
