World No. 1 Iga Swiatek comes from behind to defeat Jule Niemeier, advancing to US Open quarterfinals
The second-seeded Swede beat Niemeier from the qualifying tournament Monday to make it to the quarterfinals at US Open.
Swiatek will face Czech qualifier Frantaiz Czabarasova in the quarterfinals.
“Today was a tough match against a very good player,” said Swiatek, who defeated No. 21 seed Jelle Wallis of Australia in the qualification round. “She is a great player and has a great game. As a former professional I really respected her. Today felt like a tough match. I am happy with how I played in different situations.”
Iga, who also beat France’s Gael Monfils on Sunday, was playing in her third US Open quarterfinal, having lost to Monfils in the second round. The two-time major champion has won each of the last two majors.
“It is not easy to beat Jule, but after a long day she was tired of it, too,” Iga said.
“Of course today was a match I needed to win. I had nothing to lose. And I had to think of her as a player and not a person. She is a very strong girl and I am very happy that I could beat her today.”
Swiatek is now tied with defending champion Angelique Kerber for No. 3 in the world.
Kerber, who is playing in her first at the US Open, lost a three-setter to Kerber in the quarterfinals at the French Open last month.
Swiatek also advanced to the semifinals at Australian Open last year.
“I have to congratulate Angelique,” said Iga. “She is very special. She has won two majors. She is a big champion. I have to thank Jelle and I hope I have a chance to beat her.”
The quarterfinals will be played Tuesday followed by the semifinals Tuesday afternoon and a third-set
