World No. 3 Iga Swiatek rediscovered her championship form on Wednesday. The six-time Grand Slam winner cruised by No. 5 Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 to reach the 2026 Italian Open semifinals. This victory marks a major turning point for Swiatek.
Before arriving in Rome, the star suffered four consecutive quarterfinal exits. She also faced early departures in Madrid and Miami. But her clinical performance in this latest quarterfinal suggests the Polish star is back to her best on clay.
Iga Swiatek vs Jessica Pegula: Match Highlights and Stats
From the opening game, Swiatek dictated the tempo, breaking Pegula's serve early.
The second set proved even more lopsided, as the 24-year-old won 85% of her first-serve points and saved the only break point she faced. The match lasted just 75 minutes, marking one of the swiftest encounters in the pair's recent rivalry.
The win additionally serves as a major statement before Roland Garros — one of four-time French Open winner Swiatek's signature Grand Slams.
Following the match, Swiatek noted a significant change in her tactical approach.
"I’ve been playing a bit differently, I would say. More similar to how I played couple years ago, more like a clay court player," she said postmatch. "I guess all the things that we practiced really clicked during last few matches."
Where to Watch Iga Swiatek in the 2026 Italian Open Semifinals
With the quarterfinal win, Swiatek moves on to face either Elena Rybakina or Elina Svitolina in tomorrow's Rome Open semifinals.
The Italian Open airs live on The Tennis Channel.
