Iga Swiatek moved one step closer to securing her second WTA title of the 2025 season, reaching the Cincinnati Open semifinals with a commanding straight-sets victory over Anna Kalinskaya on Thursday. The world No. 1, who has not dropped a set throughout the tournament, will face Elena Rybakina in the final four after Rybakina stunned defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to shake up the draw.
Following a fourth-round exit at the Canadian Open, the 24-year-old Pole has rediscovered her top form, building on her recent Wimbledon triumph. Swiatek’s relentless consistency and dominance on the court have caught the attention of two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, who has been closely following the young star’s career.
Halep, 33, recently shared her admiration for Swiatek, noting qualities in the world No. 1 that she hadn’t fully appreciated until now. The Romanian veteran highlighted Swiatek’s remarkable development, praising her ability to evolve and dominate at such a young age.
As Swiatek continues to carve out an extraordinary career, her Cincinnati campaign underscores her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars. With a semifinal showdown against Rybakina looming, fans eagerly await whether Swiatek can claim another title in her already illustrious 2025 season.
