Swiatek Reaches First WTA Grass-cut Semis

World number one Iga Swiatek has reached the semi-finals of a WTA Tour grass-court event for the first time.

The Polish 22-year-old beat Russia’s Anna Blinkova 6-3 6-2 at the Bad Homburg Open in Germany.

Swiatek will play unseeded Italian Lucia Bronzetti, ranked 65th, in the semi-finals.

Elsewhere, Cameron Norrie and Novak Djokovic both gained victories in their singles exhibition matches at the Hurlingham Classic in London.

British number one Norrie beat Serbia’s Laslo Djere 6-3 6-2 before seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-3 3-6 10-7.

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Wimbledon begins on Monday, with the men’s and women’s singles draws taking place on Friday.

Swiatek has won four Grand Slam titles – the clay-court French Open three times and last year’s hard-court US Open – but has never gone past the fourth round at Wimbledon.

“I wouldn’t put myself close to being an expert on grass, but I’m making progress and that’s the most important thing for me,” said Swiatek after her win on Thursday.

“The time here really helped me. Every year I feel like it’s easier to get used to the conditions.

“Usually, there’s not much time to practice on grass so I’m pretty happy I used that time 100% between Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

“I’m feeling confident and hopefully I can play like that for the next two weeks.”

BBC Sports