(Beijing) Iga Swiatek ended Coco Gauff’s 16-match winning streak by advancing to the final of the China Open on Saturday, winning 6-2, 6-3 against the State Open champion -United.
It was Gauff’s first loss since the quarterfinals in Montreal, a stretch that included titles in Cincinnati and Flushing Meadows.
Swiatek is the second seed.
In the final on Sunday, she will face Liudmila Samsonova, 22nd in the world, after the Russian defeated Elena Rybakina 7-6 (7), 6-3.
The Pole made only four unforced errors in the first set, achieving a key break at 3-1. She won the round in 40 minutes.
Swiatek maintained her hold, breaking Gauff early in the second set to lead 2-0.
A medical timeout to assess Gauff’s right shoulder didn’t stop Swiatek’s momentum, as she improved to 8-1 against her rival.
“I’m really happy with my performance,” Swiatek said. I feel like I can play freely again, so I’m really happy. It’s been a while since I’ve felt that way. »
Samsonova reached a second WTA 1000 final this year. She remained undefeated against Rybakina in four meetings.
Daniil Medvedev beat Cristian Garin 6-3, 6-3 in the second round at the Shanghai Masters, scoring his 60th victory of the season.
In his first appearance in Shanghai since winning the title in 2019, Medvedev won in 92 minutes, breaking the Chilean on five occasions.
The second-seeded Russian will next face number 26 seed Sebastian Korda.
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz beat Frenchman Grégoire Barrere 6-2, 7-5, securing four breaks.
Alcaraz was not threatened after taking a 4-0 lead in the first set.
Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-2, while Tommy Paul prevailed 6-3, 6-0 against Sebastian Ofner.
Sixth seed Jannik Sinner won 7-6 (7), 6-2 against Marcos Giron.
The Italian’s opponent in the third round will be 25th seed Sebastian Baez.
Other winners included 22nd seed Nicolas Jarry as well as Matteo Arnaldi.