Iga Swiatek is chasing a sixth Grand Slam title

Bencic Stuns Andreeva to Set Up Swiatek Semi-Final at Wimbledon

Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic produced a stunning display of composure and resilience to defeat teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva and book her place in a maiden Wimbledon semi-final.

The 28-year-old former Olympic champion edged past the seventh-seeded Russian 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in an intense encounter on Centre Court, setting up a clash with eighth seed Iga Swiatek for a place in the final.

Andreeva, 18, had been tipped as one of the favourites to lift the title, but she struggled to find her rhythm in key moments and left the court in tears after missing out on a second major semi-final appearance.

“It’s been an incredible journey” – Bencic

After sealing victory in two tie-breaks, Bencic raised her arms with a smile and soaked in the applause from an appreciative Wimbledon crowd.

“This means so much to me,” said Bencic, who gave birth to her daughter Bella just 10 months ago.

“It’s been an incredible journey to come back and reach my first semi-final here. I stayed calm in the big moments, and that made the difference.”

Andreeva, who had not dropped a set before this match, looked nervy at times and was outclassed in both tie-breaks by Bencic’s consistency.

Swiatek Chasing Sixth Grand Slam Title

Earlier, Poland’s Iga Swiatek reached her first Wimbledon semi-final with a 6-2 7-5 win over Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova.

“It feels great. I got goosebumps after this win,” said Swiatek, who is chasing her sixth Grand Slam title.

“I’ve worked hard to improve on grass. I’m just going to focus on myself and see where this takes me.”

Swiatek’s solid serving and aggressive baseline play proved too much for Samsonova, although some lapses in the second set serve as a reminder that there’s still room for improvement as she eyes her maiden Wimbledon crown.

Women’s Semi-Final Line-Up

Belinda Bencic (SUI) vs Iga Swiatek (POL)
Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) vs Amanda Anisimova (USA)

With Bencic hitting form and Swiatek peaking at just the right time, their upcoming semi-final promises to be one of the matches of the tournament.