Not her best match by any stretch of the imagination, and neither player was really able to serve. But Pagula raised her game in the second set and forced Swiatek to raise hers.
Mary Jo Fernandez asks Swiatek what it means to be in the Open semi-final. “I wasn’t expecting that,” she says. “I’m trying to keep my expectations low.” Interesting.
Why did she get so many rackets re-strung? “Well, I don’t know, actually. The ball was going kind of high. … I’m sorry if it was annoying.” She gives a pleasant laugh. The crowd has gone out for ice cream. Or whatever. This was more of a Court 5 crowd than an Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
So it’s been a shorter night for me than last night, but thanks for following along, and enjoy the Alcaraz-Sinner contest. I just can’t wait to see Caroline Garcia play Ons Jabeur tomorrow night. (On my cell phone while I’m at a rehearsal. Don’t tell my bandmates.)
Updated
Iga Swiatek advances to the semi-final
Swiatek serves and establishes control, driving one hard to Pegula’s backhand. The return sits nicely for her. Match point (6-4).
Swiatek serves for the match. First serve is a let. Second is long. Third is a soft 78 mph, but Pegula hits wide after a short rally, and that’s that.
