Iga Świętek advanced to the quarter-finals of the WTA tournament in Cincinnati, which means she will be facing another challenging test. The rivalry of Polka will be Jelena Rybakina, who defeated Diana Skwidder 6:4, 6:4. Christmas had previously won with Diane Parry 6:3, 6:3.
The balance of erstwhile meetings of both tennis players is highly balanced – Polka leads 7-6. Interestingly, the players faced the Toronto tournament final a week ago. At that time, Christmas was better, which prevailed 6:2, 6:3.
The quarterfinal in Cincinnati besides has a large ranking importance for Christmas. Failure can cost her a drop from 5th place to ninth, and in an unfavourable script Polka may fall out of the top ten. Rybakina, on the another hand, has a chance to finish the tournament as the leader of the WTA ranking – she must scope at least the final and number on the failure of Aryna Sabalenko.
Christmas after the match with Parry stressed that in fresh months she saw an improvement in her game, although this did not translate into results for a long time. However, the Toronto and Cincinnati triumph series brought her more peace and confidence.
If Christmas defeats Rybakina, in the semifinals it will face the winner of Amanda Anisimova's American duel against Jessica Pegula.
The Cincinnati tournament is 1 of the last crucial tests before the US Open, which will start on August 30 in fresh York City.
