BEIJING, OCT 7 (NPN): Former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Belgium’s Elise Mertens booked their places in the quarterfinals of the China Open after impressive fourth-round victories in Beijing.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, delivered a dominant performance to defeat 18-year-old American Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-3 in their first career meeting. The Polish star needed just one hour and 36 minutes to secure the win and continue her strong run in the tournament.
The match was largely controlled by Swiatek from the outset. She won the first five games of the opening set, allowing Jovic little opportunity to settle into the contest. Although the American managed to avoid a shutout by winning the sixth game and saving two set points, Swiatek remained composed and eventually claimed the set on her fifth opportunity.
Jovic showed greater resistance in the second set and briefly challenged Swiatek’s authority. After Swiatek moved ahead with an early break, Jovic fought back with more aggressive play and improved groundstrokes to level proceedings. The teenager even took a 3-2 lead after saving two break points.
However, Swiatek responded at the crucial moment, breaking Jovic twice in succession to regain complete control and close out the match in straight sets.
The defeat ended Jovic’s six-match winning streak. The young American had arrived in Beijing in excellent form following her title triumph in Guadalajara last month. For Swiatek, the victory represents another step toward a deep run in one of the WTA Tour’s premier hard-court events.
Later on Wednesday, Elise Mertens produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating third seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3. The victory was particularly significant for the Belgian, who had lost all five of her previous meetings against Gauff despite coming close to winning on several occasions.
Mertens finally found the formula to overcome the American, displaying consistency and composure throughout the match. She controlled key exchanges, served effectively and avoided the late collapses that had cost her opportunities in their earlier encounters. The Belgian won 10 of her final 11 service points and sealed the victory with her second ace of the match.
The result was especially satisfying considering her previous heartbreaks against Gauff. In Eastbourne in 2021, Mertens squandered a commanding lead before losing, while earlier this year in Dubai she held three match points only to see Gauff stage a comeback victory. This time, however, Mertens maintained her focus and never allowed her opponent a route back into the contest.
Gauff struggled throughout the match, committing 34 unforced errors and eight double faults.
Her frustrations became evident in the second set when she admitted to her team that she felt low on energy and close to exhaustion. The defending 2024 Beijing champion was unable to find her best form and exited the tournament in the fourth round.
The victory marked Mertens’ 10th career win over a Top 5 player and her second such success this season. She now advances to face Swiatek in the quarterfinals. Although the Polish star has won both of their previous meetings, Mertens enters the contest with renewed confidence after ending one of the most challenging rivalries of her career.
The winner of the quarterfinal will move one step closer to the China Open title.
