Simona Halep says what she’s just noticed about Iga Swiatek which she would never have realised before

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Iga Swiatek is one step closer to clinching her second title of the 2025 WTA season after reaching the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek defeated Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets to set up a final-four clash with Elena Rybakina, who blew the draw wide open after knocking out the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Following her Wimbledon triumph, the Pole got off to a slow start in the hard-court swing, bowing out of the Canadian Open in the fourth round.

She has quickly regained her red-hot form, though, and has yet to drop a set in Cincinnati throughout the tournament.

Still only 24 years of age, Swiatek continues to carve out an incredible career, which two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has kept a close eye on.

Simona Halep says she ‘really likes’ to watch Iga Swiatek play

In an interview with Antena Sport, Halep said: “I don’t watch much tennis, but from time to time, I do tune in to matches.

“I really like Swiatek because she’s a complete player. I watched the Wimbledon final since I was in London to attend the match.

“She has excellent positioning and moves very well. I’m analysing things I never used to analyse when I was a player.

“I found her strong. Before, if you’d asked me to talk about it, I wouldn’t have noticed all this.”

Iga Swiatek’s chance to save her streak at WTA 1000 events

Since 2021, Swiatek has won at least one WTA 1000 tournament each year, having emerged victorious in four during both 2021 and 2024.

This season, that streak is in danger of ending, after the world number three has failed to secure a crown at the level in seven appearances.

She has made three semifinals and has featured in two quarterfinals, but has yet to reach the final at a WTA 1000 event in 2025.

With the top two seeds, Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, out of the competition, Swiatek now has the perfect opportunity to hoist the title in Cincinnati.