World number one Iga Swiatek became the first women’s tennis player to win 60 matches in one season since 2017 as she won over Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semifinals of the Ostrava Open on Saturday. The 21-year-old Pole notched win number 60 with a 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-4 in two hours and 38 minutes. The number of victories matched Caroline Wozniacki’s mark in 2017. It was Swiatek’s 10th straight win and her eighth final of the year. She will next face Czech netter Barbora Krejcikova in the final. The former French Open champion fought off 17 aces from Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina before winning, 3-6, 7-6, (7/4). Krejcikova, who won the Tallinn title last week, is on an eight-match winning streak. Swiatek is 10-1 in Women’s Tennis Association Tour singles finals and will be favored to win over Krejcikova in the final, tennis oddsmakers said.
Djokovic Beats Medvedev in Astana Semis, Nears 90th ATP title
Novak Djokovic is a step closer to his 90th Association of Tennis Professionals title as he defeated Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the Astana Open on Saturday when the Russian retired at the end of the second set. Medvedev retired before the deciding set which surprised Djokovic. The win moved him into the final of the Astana Open. It was the Serbian’s 128th final of his career. He will next meet Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. Tsitsipas defeated Andrey Rublev in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach his sixth final of the season. Djokovic holds the advantage in their head-to-head, with the Serb winning seven of their nine matches.
Iga Swiatek Gains 60th Win: Kyrgios Withdraws from Japan Open
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios withdrew before the quarterfinal of the Japan Open due to injury. The 27-year-old Kyrgios sustained a sore left knee while warming up for his quarterfinal match against American netter Taylor Fritz. The Australian said that the knee issue came up during the United States Open. Instead of resting, he continued playing and wear and tear forced the world number 20 to quit the tournament. Kyrgios won over Kamil Majchrzak of Poland in three grueling sets in the second round on Thursday. He pointed to “overloading” and excitement to play that he had forgotten to rest as the cause of the knee soreness. Kyrgios promised to be back in Japan next year and said that he plans to continue playing as he prepares for the Australian Open in January. The sore knee that the Australian suffered before the Japan Open quarterfinals is not long term, meaning that he could still play again. However, the fatigue of playing the sport whenever he can has caused wear and tear in his body and the sore left knee is one of the effects of “pushing too hard.” Sports betting sites are hoping for his fast recovery as the mercurial tennis star has been a consistent contender in various ATP tournaments worldwide and has been a constant favorite by bettors who look for a sure win in every event.
