Swiatek’s 27-win streak best on tour since Serena’s in 2015

ROME –

Hot streaks have not been seen in another woman since Serena Williams seven-years ago.

Aryna Sabalenka was defeated 6-2, 6-1 by top-ranked Iga Swaitek. She reached the Italian Open final Saturday.

Williams won 27 consecutive victories over 2014-2015. Martina Navratilova holds the record for longest streak, with 74 consecutive wins in 2014 and 2015.

Swiatek said, “I’m just constantly amazed myself that I could do better and more.” said. “I feel like I can believe that the sky is the limit. That’s what makes it so much fun.

Swiatek is aiming to defend her Rome title in Sunday’s final. Ons Jabeur defeated Daria Kasatkina, 6-4, 6-1, 7-5, for her 11th consecutive win after winning the Madrid Open trophy.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the men’s champion, reached his first Rome final, defeating Alexander Zverev by 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, and 6-3. Tsitsipas will face either Novak Djokovic (top-ranked) or Casper Ruud (who played late).

Swiatek was determined to win her fifth tournament in a row, dominating Sabalenka eighth with power and consistency as well as finesse.

Although she had some difficulties with her serve, Swiatek was still able to dominate both the forehand and the backhand on the red clay court at Foro Italico. The 20-year old Pole also won the second set with a delicate backhand volley.

Swiatek had 15 winners and unforced blunders, while Sabalenka only produced eight winners and had 31 unforced blunders.

Swiatek: “Today, I felt like the clay was my real understanding.” said.

Sabalenka, a hard-hitting player, took a medical break late in the second set to have her back checked.

She waved her arms at the crowd to encourage them to cheer her on after it was over.

Swiatek, who was surprised to be crowned champion at the French Open 2020 when she was ranked number one, was also ranked No. The 54-year-old Swiatek is the favorite to win the second Grand Slam at Roland Garros next weekend.

Swiatek’s winning streak is only part of her super season.

Swiatek is now at half of the season and has won more matches than she did in 2021.

After Chris Evert and Navratilova, Gabriela Sabatini, Monica Seles and Venus Williams, she became the seventh player to reach Rome’s finals, as well as becoming the seventh after Venus Williams, Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, Martina Sabatini, Martina Hingis, Martina Sabatini, Gabriela Sabatini and Monica Seles.

Jabeur saved one match point in the third when she won an inside-out forehand win that was on the line. With more than 100 drop shots, the Tunisian won her match point on the first match point.

Jabeur landed 47 winners, compared to Kasatkina’s 12.

Tsitsipas was pushed to three sets by Jannik Sinner in three of his four matches this Week.

Tsitsipas played all of his matches during the midday heat.

“The heat was not easy. But that’s exactly what I prefer,” says the Greek player. said.

Tsitsipas successfully defended his title at Monte Carlo Masters last month, and now is looking for another big clay-court title to go before the French Open.

Since 1935, the Italian Open is played at Foro Italico. It has a court lined in neo-classical sculptures.

Tsitsipas: “It’s the tournament with the most history in our sports,” said. “You can see the Pietrangeli stadium, which is one of the most beautiful in the world as you walk around this site. These courts are filled with history and you are proud to have been able participate in such an important event.