World No 1 Iga Swiatek conquered Coco Gauff in ruthless fashion to reach the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.
Top-ranked Swiatek extended her winning streak to 11 matches with a 6-4 6-3 victory in one hour and 48 minutes over the reigning US Open champion.
Swiatek, who is attempting to complete a clay double by winning the Madrid and Italian titles back to back, will face second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final, after the latter beat Danielle Collins 7-5 6-2 later on Thursday.
Gauff may have defeated Swiatek in Cincinnati last summer but the gap remains considerable, and, despite a great start on the Italian clay, Gauff eventually fell to defeat with the Pole racking up her 10th win in 11 matches against the 20-year-old.
“I was just trying to be myself, focus on the work and trying to enjoy my time off the court as well so I can have the energy,” Swiatek told UkParrot.
“I’m happy to be playing so consistently because it means that we’re doing everything well. I’m really proud of myself and the team as well.”
“I’m happy to be playing so consistently because it means that we’re doing everything well. I’m really proud of myself and the team as well.”
