Swiatek Continues Clay Dominance, Reaches Italian Open Quarterfinals

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek continues her dominant run on clay, reaching the quarterfinals of the Italian Open after defeating Angelique Kerber. Swiatek, who won the Madrid Open last week, is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win the "dirt double."

Swiatek's victory over Kerber was hard-fought, with the Polish player needing eight set points to secure the opener. However, she faced no such difficulties in the second set, sealing a 7-5, 6-3 victory. Swiatek will next face Madison Keys, who defeated Sorana Cirstea in a match interrupted by an environmental protest.

Keys' match was temporarily suspended after two protesters jumped onto the court and threw confetti, while others glued themselves to the stands. The players returned to the locker room, and the protesters were removed by security.

Other American players also advanced to the quarterfinals, with third-seeded Coco Gauff rallying to beat Paula Badosa and Danielle Collins easing past Irina-Camelia Begu. Second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a set down to defeat Elina Svitolina in a match that finished well after midnight.

In the men's tournament, defending champion Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic. Medvedev will face Tommy Paul in the round of 16, while Madrid finalists Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime were eliminated.

Other notable winners in the men's draw include Hubert Hurkacz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Sebastian Baez, and Nicolas Jarry.

Tags: #IgaSwiatek, #ItalianOpen, #Tennis, #DirtDouble, #MadisonKeys