Tennis: Poland’s Świątek downs Russia's Alexandrova to reach Ostrava Open final

Polish tennis star Iga Świątek has moved into the final of the Ostrava Open tournament in the Czech Republic, with a hard-fought win on Saturday over Russian player Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Iga Świątek

EPA/LUKAS KABON

The Polish world No. 1 defeated Alexandrova 7-6, 2-6, 6-4 in their semifinal clash in the northeastern Czech city near the Polish border.

Brawo, Iga Świątek! Polka w finale w Ostrawie!
Trzeci set dla liderki rankingu WTA!https://t.co/9GzDgAe36P#WTAOstrava #OstravaOpen

— Sport PR (@sportradiopl) October 8, 2022

She played with a ribbon in the colours of the Ukrainian flag pinned to her hat against her Russian opponent, who is ranked 21st in the world by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), news outlets reported.

Photo: EPA/LUKAS KABON

The Pole picked up her 60th win of the year and extended her winning streak to 10 matches, the WTA website reported.

60th win of the year 🥳

No.1 seed @iga_swiatek bounces back for the win over Alexandrova in a tight three set match!#OstravaOpen pic.twitter.com/pr08ojPzcy

— wta (@WTA) October 8, 2022

Ｅｘｔｅｎｄｉｎｇ her match win streak to 10 😎@iga_swiatek | #OstravaOpen pic.twitter.com/PuHs340u1k

— wta (@WTA) October 8, 2022

The Polish player will face home favourite Barbora Krejčíková in the championship match on Sunday, eyeing her 11th career title.

A PACKED house is expected 🏟️

Who will be crowned the @WTAOstravaOpen champion?

🇵🇱 @iga_swiatek vs. @BKrejcikova 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/Nt3pBFoy4c

— wta (@WTA) October 8, 2022

Świątek last month won the US Open, claiming her seventh title this year.

The 21-year-old, coached by countryman Tomasz Wiktorowski, in early April took over as the new number one in women's tennis, becoming the first Pole to top the world rankings.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, wtatennis.com