Swiatek reaches Canadian Open semi-finals

Iga Swiatek produced a dominant display to defeat Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1 and reached the semi-finals of the Canadian Open at Centre Court at Sobeys Stadium on Monday, strengthening her preparations for the US Open.

The Polish seventh seed was in complete control throughout the 68-minute contest, combining powerful ball-striking with impressive court coverage to overwhelm her Russian opponent.

Swiatek quickly established her authority, breaking twice in the opening set as Shnaider struggled with her consistency.

The Russian committed 12 unforced errors in the set, allowing Swiatek to move 5-2 ahead after her opponent sent a forehand into the net.

The former world number one then closed out the set when Shnaider made another error.

There was little improvement from Shnaider in the second set, with Swiatek continuing to dictate exchanges from the baseline.

She did not face a single break point and secured another break to move 5-1 ahead after producing a sharply angled cross-court winner that clipped the line.

Swiatek sealed victory when Shnaider sent a forehand long on match point.

The result sends Swiatek into her first WTA 1000 semi-final of an inconsistent season.

She will face Elina Svitolina, who recovered from a set down to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova in Toronto.

Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, won the US Open in 2022 but has failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals at a major this season.

She also suffered a surprise second-round defeat by compatriot Magda Linette in Miami, prompting her to replace coach Wim Fissette with Francisco Roig.

At Wimbledon, where she was defending champion, Swiatek was beaten in straight sets by Alexandra Eala in the third round.