Swiatek into Italian Open quarter-finals with victory over resilient Kerber

Iga Swiatek is through to the Italian Open quarter-finals, getting past a tricky test against Angelique Kerber with a 7-5 6-3 victory.

The world No. 1 cruised through her first two matches at the tournament by dropping only nine games, but was given much more resistance by the three-time major winner.

In the first set, Swiatek was thrice pegged back after taking a lead, before going 5-3 up in an entertaining encounter. The German again levelled it, digging in when it mattered to deny Swiatek five set points.

After the Polish star got herself on the verge again, Kerber fought off a further two set points, before Swiatek made it count by converting attempt No. 8.

But the 36-year-old – who returned to the court in January after an 18-month maternity break – bounced back with menace, clinching the opening two games in the second.

As Swiatek often does, she roared back to retake the lead. Kerber ground out a great sixth game, but that only inspired her opponent, and the thrilling rallies continued as Swiatek pulled away.

Swiatek lost just a single point in the seventh and eighth games, before blitzing the final one to book herself a match-up with Madison Keys.

“For sure Angie was playing well,” Swiatek said. “Every point mattered, especially in that first set. I have huge respect for Angie. She’s back and she’s playing well.

“I’m a perfectionist, but it’s impossible to play perfect tennis, so you have to be humble and not take anything for granted. This year has been pretty good for me, so I don’t have to chase anything. We’re changing locations every week, the tour is intense. I’m really enjoying this.”

The double would be a starter ahead of the main course in Paris, with the 22-year-old heading to Roland-Garros looking to claim the French Open title for a third successive summer.