LONDON — World No. 1 Iga Swiatek delivered a masterclass performance on Thursday, dismantling Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-4 to secure her maiden Wimbledon final berth. The Polish phenom, already a four-time Grand Slam champion, showcased her relentless baseline dominance and tactical brilliance on Centre Court, leaving the Swiss veteran with no answers.
Swiatek’s victory extends her unbeaten streak to 14 matches, further cementing her status as the tournament favorite. "I’m just so happy to be in the final," Swiatek said in her post-match interview. "It’s a dream come true, especially on grass, which has been a challenge for me in the past. I’ve worked so hard to adapt my game, and today it all clicked."
A Dominant Display
From the opening game, Swiatek imposed her trademark intensity, breaking Bencic’s serve with a flurry of deep groundstrokes and precise angles. The Swiss, a 2021 Olympic gold medalist, struggled to find rhythm against Swiatek’s suffocating defense and aggressive returns. The first set was wrapped up in just 32 minutes, with Swiatek winning 88% of her first-serve points.
Key factors in Swiatek’s dominance included:
- Relentless depth on her forehand, pushing Bencic behind the baseline
- Exceptional movement, covering the court with effortless speed
- Tactical variety, mixing drop shots with heavy topspin to disrupt Bencic’s rhythm
Bencic’s Resistance Falls Short
Bencic, known for her counterpunching ability, briefly rallied in the second set. She broke Swiatek early to take a 2-1 lead, raising hopes of a comeback. However, the Pole responded immediately, breaking back with a stunning cross-court backhand winner. "I knew I had to stay calm and trust my game," Swiatek reflected. "Belinda is a fighter, but I focused on playing my tennis, point by point."
Bencic’s frustration grew as Swiatek’s consistency never wavered. The Swiss committed 22 unforced errors, many forced by Swiatek’s relentless pressure. Despite saving three match points, Bencic ultimately succumbed to a forehand error, sealing Swiatek’s place in the final.
By the Numbers
Swiatek’s stats underscored her dominance:
- Winners: 28 (vs. Bencic’s 12)
- Break points converted: 4/6 (67%)
- Net points won: 12/15 (80%)
Road to the Final
Swiatek’s journey to the Wimbledon final has been a testament to her adaptability. After early exits in previous years, she fine-tuned her grass-court game, emphasizing shorter points and improved serve placement. Her path included straight-set wins over:
- Sofia Kenin (6-3, 6-4)
- Petra Martic (6-2, 7-5)
- Elina Svitolina (6-3, 6-4)
"Iga’s transformation on grass is incredible," said Martina Navratilova in commentary. "She’s taken her clay-court prowess and adjusted it perfectly. Her footwork and decision-making are just sublime."
The Final Awaits
Swiatek will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Ons Jabeur in Saturday’s final. A win would complete her career Grand Slam, adding Wimbledon to her Roland Garros (2020, 2022, 2023) and US Open (2022) titles. "I’m not thinking about the pressure," Swiatek insisted. "I’ll prepare like always—stay focused, trust my team, and play with freedom."
Bencic, meanwhile, praised her opponent’s level. "Iga was just too good today," she admitted. "She’s the best in the world for a reason. I gave everything, but she had all the answers."
As Swiatek left Centre Court to a standing ovation, the tennis world buzzed with anticipation. Whether she faces Sabalenka’s power or Jabeur’s craft, one thing is certain: the Pole is ready to make history.