Former world No 1 Iga Swiatek is treading new ground on the grass at Wimbledon after reaching the semi-finals for the first time in her career.
The five-time Grand Slam champion had never been beyond the last eight at the All England Club but disposed of Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets on Wednesday.
Swiatek, whose previous best effort at the London major had been reaching the quarter-finals in 2023, sailed through the first set but was given a tougher test in the second before eventually prevailing 6-2, 7-5 on Court 1.
The 24-year-old Pole will take on Belinda Bencic on Thursday for a place in Saturday's final after the Swiss edged out Mirra Andreeva, also in straight sets.
After slipping down the rankings, Swiatek is now back in the world's top four having reached the Bad Homburg final on grass last month, although is seeded eighth here.
“Honestly, it feels great,” said Switaek, who lost in the last four at both the Australian and French Opens this year. “I have goosebumps after this win. I am super happy and super proud of myself and I will keep going.
“I really enjoy playing [on grass] this year and hopefully it is going to last as long as possible. I worked hard to progress here on this surface.”
Samsonova struggled early on despite the fact she was enjoying her best ever Grand Slam run as the weight of appearing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final appeared too much to bear at times.
The 26-year-old 19th seed conceded 18 unforced errors on the way to losing the opener and was then broken immediately at the start of the second set after conceding two consecutive double faults.
Swiatek was coasting at 3-0 and then 4-2 only for Samsonova to finally find some game and level the scores. But the former Wimbledon junior champion was not to be denied as she broke for a final time to seal victory after one hour and 49 minutes.
She becomes the fourth active player to reach the semi-finals at all four Grand Slam events, joining Aryna Sabalenka, Victoria Azarenka and Karolina Pliskova.
Meanwhile, Russian teen star Andreeva saw her Wimbledon hopes dashed by the more experienced Bencic over two tight sets that were both decided by tiebreaks.
Under the wing of former Wimbledon winner Conchita Martinez, Andreeva had breezed impressively through the first four rounds without dropping a set. But Bencic proved ready for the challenge, taking the opener in a tense tiebreak.
The second set was equally hard-fought, with breakpoints saved by both players before Bencic broke in the ninth game.
Bencic had asked for the trainer to come on court at the end of the game to deal with a cracked toe nail, but changed her mind with a memorable victory within touching distance.
Whether it was the foot issue or the pressure of serving for the match, Bencic got within two points of winning but was unable to finish the job as Andreeva broke back.
That set up another tiebreak, with Bencic visibly hobbling between points but somehow summoning up the willpower to seal the win with a booming forehand.
World No 34 Bencic reaches the last four at SW19 for the first time and becomes the first Swiss to achieve the feat since Martina Hingis 27 years ago.
“It's crazy, it's unbelievable,” said the 28-year-old. “It's a dream come true. I tried not to think about it at the match point. I'm just speechless. It is my second Grand Slam semi-final overall and my first at Wimbledon. Just speechless, so happy.
“Mirra Andreeva was really tough, I have a lot of respect for her. She is 18 and performing on the biggest stages, already winning so many amazing tournaments. I studied all evening yesterday to come up with a plan. I think it worked out well.”
In Thursday's other semi-final, world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka takes on 13th seed Amanda Anisimova.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Racecard
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
Match info
Karnataka Tuskers 110-3
J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16
Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs
K Pollard 45*, S Zadran 2-18
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
MANDOOB
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Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
