World No. 1 Iga Swiatek comes from behind to defeat Jule Niemeier, advancing to US Open quarterfinals (Photos); No. 4-seed Agnese Vezzali survives an early scare against No. 11-seeded Ekaterina Makarova, dropping to the consolation rounds (Photos).
For the second consecutive year, the Iga Swiatek will enter the US Open final only against her sister. In the second round, the 14-year-old out-dueled No. 4-seed Agnese Vezzali on her first visit to the United States.
Despite her opponent’s strength, she was unable to break through the German 17-year-old’s game, advancing to the quarterfinals.
“I was very happy because I did what I needed to do,” the 16-year-old said after the match and after moving to the top of the rankings, which had her up at No. 12.
“It was a very good match and I am very happy. I am very happy that I was able to beat Ekaterina in the second round. I am very happy with my game and I am very happy with winning against my sister.”
In the other encounter, No. 5-seed Jule Niemeier, who was in a losing battle with No. 2 seed Ekaterina Makarova, was shocked early on to even lose in the third round.
The 17-year-old Russian, who had to have her appendix removed in early May, was taken to the hospital for an emergency surgery and played just two singles rubles in the match against No. 14 seed Elena Vesnina.
Despite the disappointment, the No. 8-seed overcame her opponent in three sets, reaching the fourth round.
“When we started the match, Jelle was better. She had a very good game, especially with the return,”
