Australian Open: Swiatek seals semi-final spot after lengthy Kanepi battle

Swiatek, the Polish seventh seed, made her second grand slam semi after a 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory over Kanepi on a warm day on Rod Laver Arena.

The 2020 French Open champion held off Kanepi, who suffered a seventh defeat in as many grand slam quarter-finals.

Swiatek fought hard and needed three hours, one minute to progress to a meeting with American 27th seed Danielle Collins.

Comeback complete @iga_swiatek is through to her second Grand Slam semifinal, overcoming Kaia Kanepi 4-6 7-6(2) 6-3.#AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/22v9d1V2kE

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2022

The steadier start was made by Swiatek, with Kanepi saving break points in each of her opening three service games.

But the Pole was having some trouble with her serve, a fifth double fault giving Kanepi a break point in the seventh game, the Estonian converting with a fine forehand return winner.

Swiatek held after a gruelling 16-minute ninth game, saving four set points as the Rod Laver Arena crowd started to come to life.

Kanepi had won only one set in her six previous grand slam quarter-finals, but she eventually served out the opener against Swiatek, converting her ninth set point.

After Kanepi broke in the opening game of the second set, Swiatek – who was starting to move the veteran around the court – reeled off four straight games.

However, Kanepi responded, a pair of Swiatek double faults helping her break back in the seventh game on the way to a tie-break.

Swiatek was the more consistent of the two players in the tie-break to send the quarter-final into a deciding set.

Clutch tennis @iga_swiatek evens the score on Rod Laver Arena, seizing the second set from Kanepi 7-6(2). #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/p1hHAy8gmh

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2022

After the players traded breaks early in the third set, Swiatek took a 3-2 lead after Kanepi sent a forehand narrowly wide before managing a tough hold in the sixth game.

Swiatek charged into a 5-2 lead and while her attempt at serving it out did not go to plan, she sealed her win with another break after a tremendous defensive point.

It takes a fair bit to beat Swiatek at a grand slam.

The 20-year-old is now 30-2 at majors against opponents ranked outside the top 30 after getting past world number 115 Kanepi.

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS Swiatek – 31/50 Kanepi – 35/62

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS Swiatek – 5/12 Kanepi – 5/4