Swiatek Cruises Past Pegula to Keep Italian Open Title Bid Alive

Iga Swiatek back to best with statement win over Pegula in Rome 

Iga Swiatek looked dominant on clay with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Pegula, moving into the Rome semi-finals and a potential final vs Gauff.

Iga Swiatek dominated Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 in Rome to reach the Italian Open semi-finals, signaling a return to form on clay ahead of Roland Garros...

 

Iga Swiatek looked back to her dominant best with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win over Jessica Pegula on Wednesday, booking her place in the Italian Open semi-finals in emphatic fashion.

The three-time Rome champion needed just over an hour to dispatch fifth seed Pegula on centre court. It was the kind of dominant display on clay that hadn’t been seen from Swiatek since her last French Open triumph two years ago.

Putting on a show 🤯@iga_swiatek comes out swinging taking the first set in just 29 mins.#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/cejZXGKPWT

— wta (@WTA) May 13, 2026

Swiatek will now meet second seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the final. Svitolina earned her semi-final spot after fighting back from a set down to beat Rybakina 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Elina SvitoWINa 😤

Elina Svitolina battles it out against Rybakina 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to secure her spot in the semifinals.#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/BGqoRR29zG

— wta (@WTA) May 13, 2026

The winner of that semi-final will face reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff or Cirstea in Saturday’s final, setting up a potential title decider.

Swiatek hasn’t lifted a clay-court trophy since winning her fourth Roland Garros title. Personal challenges have played a role in her dip in form since then.

The Core Four of Rome 🇮🇹

Who do you want to see in the Rome final?@MercedesBenz | #IBI26 pic.twitter.com/UFxowkjVLQ

— wta (@WTA) May 13, 2026