Iga Swiatek marches on at French Open with straight sets win over Coco Gauff to book semi-final spot

Iga Swiatek remains on course to retain her French Open title after a 6-4 6-2 win over Coco Gauff saw her march into the semi-finals. Things looked ominous for Gauff after she went a break down in the first set and although she was able to claw it back, she was broken to love to hand Swiatek the opener. Ad The Pole then saved three break points early in the second set as Gauff’s chances of a comeback were dampened.

Roland-Garros'Iga played remarkably well' — Evert reacts after Gauff suffers quarter-final defeat41 MINUTES AGO When Swiatek broke for 4-2, the writing was on the wall and a second break sealed the win as the American had no response. Swiatek will face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the final four after the Brazilian had earlier beaten Ons Jabeur. «It wasn’t easy, especially first set was really tight,» said two-time French Open champion Swiatek.

«Coco was using the conditions [in her favour], but I’m happy to [come through it]. Coco has already been in [the final stages of tournaments] despite being young, she's experienced, and I’m happy to be in the semi-final.» Gauff has now lost all seven of her career meetings against Swiatek in straight sets — including in last year's French Open final — although on this occasion she pushed the world No. 1 closer than she has before.

Gauff had moments during the match but converted just one of five break points while dropping her own serve four times. Given the history between the pair, a strong start appeared key for Gauff’s chances. She matched the world No.

1 in the early stages and even after losing serve in the fourth game, broke back immediately. However, with the set heading for a close finish, Swiatek broke to love to win it. Ruud asked to pick between tennis and golf