Iga Sviatek defeated Sorana Kirstea in two sets (6-2, 6-3) and advanced to the semifinals in Indian Wells. Closer to the defense of the title won last year, the athlete from Poland talked about how the playing surface helped her defeat the Romanian.

Iga Sviatek, who was helped by a hard from Indian Wells in the match with Sorana Kirstea

When asked about her next match (against Olena Rybakina), the world number one said that the slow surface of the tournament in the Californian desert nullifies the advantage of players who hit hard (as in the case of Sorana Kirstea).

“I often train with the boys, so I’m used to very strong balls from the opposite side of the court. That’s an advantage for players who hit that hard, but on the hard court at Indian Wells, that advantage isn’t as important because the surface is so slow. I am ready for anything.

Given my age, I haven’t experienced everything in tennis yet, but the feeling the crowd gives me here is definitely fantastic. From the beginning of the tour, I felt the energy of the audience. I think it helps me a lot and I want to thank people for their support, my game goes up when I feel so appreciated” – Iga Svyatekafter the match with Sorana Kirstea.

Poles believe that Sorana Kirstya should be higher in the WTA ranking

The match between Sviatek and Kirstya was also analyzed by Polish journalists, who believe that the game of our athlete recommends her for a better ranking in the WTA hierarchy (Sorana will rise from 83rd to 74th place).

“The difference between the places occupied by the two players was noticeable on the court, although Kirstea performed better than her position in the WTA hierarchy suggests. Less than a year ago, at the Australian Open, our player won the match against the Romanian after a decisive score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, but this time she did better.

The game started under the sign of balance, Kirstya reacted well after losing her own serve. He won two games in a row to level the scoreboard, but Iga clearly shifted into a higher gear and won three games in a row, which was enough to win the set.

Sviatek quickly raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set and was unstoppable, even if Sorana Kirstya managed to get back one of her breaks.

Iga Sviatek defeated Romania’s Sorana Kirstya 6-2, 6-3 in 1 hour 22 minutes and will now face Olena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the semi-finals. In the second semi-final, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenko and Greek Maria Sakkari will meet” – sport.pl

The result of the match between Iga Svyatek and Sorana Kirstya

Know:

• Players Knocked Out So Far by Iga Sviatek at Indian Wells 2023: Claire Liu (6-0, 6-1), Bianca Andreescu (6-3, 7-6), Emma Reducanu (6-3, 6-1) and Sorana Kirstya (6-2, 6-3).

• Iga Svyatek will fight for entry to the grand final of the competition in the Californian desert with Olena Rybakina (favorite 10). The Wimbledon champion and Australian Open finalist, the athlete from Kazakhstan defeated Karolina Mukhova (76 WTA) in three sets with a score of 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-4.

• Iga has been at the top of the WTA for 50 weeks. Only three players have spent more time at the top of the rankings in their first appearance at the position: Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Martina Hingis (80) and Serena Williams (57).

• Kirstya reached the block in Indian Wells for the first time. During the competition, Sorana was ahead of Kimberly Birrell (115 WTA), Madison Keys (20 WTA), Bernarda Pera (43 WTA) and Caroline Garcia (5 WTA, the last winner of the Tournament of Champions).

• For participation in the quarters in Indian Wells, Sorana Kirstea will receive a check for $184,465 and 215 points in the WTA singles ranking.

• Sorana currently has 838 points, which places her at 74th in WTA Live, up 9 places from her last published ranking.

Indian Wells, semi-final

Iga Svyatek (1) – Olena Rybakina (10)

Maria Sakkari (7) – Aryna Sabalenko (2).

Indian Wells will be held from March 6-19 on hard and 96 players have started in the two main draws. The contest offers $8,800,000 each for men and women. Titled champions – Taylor Fritz and Iga Svyatek.