Tennis: Poland’s Świątek advances to quarterfinals in Tokyo

Poland’s tennis world No. 2 Iga Świątek has booked her place in the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open tournament in Tokyo.

Iga Świątek.

PAP/Panoramic

Świątek reached the last eight thanks to a second-round victory over Japan’s Mai Hontama, 6-4, 7-5, on Wednesday, news outlets reported.

Poland's world No. 2 came from 1-4 down in the first set to win in two, public broadcaster TVP Sport reported.

First win! ✅

It wasn’t easy match, a lot of ups and downs but at the end very important win! 6-4, 7-5 for Iga!#TorayPPO https://t.co/9Is1MtCc9c

— Iga Świątek News (@IgaSwiatek_News) September 27, 2023

The Pole, who had a bye in the first round, will now face Russia’s world No. 19 Veronika Kudermietova for a place in the semifinals, according to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

796 - Iga Swiatek has won her second career match in Japan after the First Round at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021 against Mona Barthel, 796 days ago. Return.#TorayPPO | @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/TAlpjyd3nE

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) September 27, 2023

Świątek, coached by countryman Tomasz Wiktorowski, topped the world rankings in women's tennis until early September, for 75 consecutive weeks, after taking over from Australian Ash Barty on April 4, 2022.

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Source: TVP Sport, WTA