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Jeļena Ostapenko extended her impressive undefeated record against world No. 1 Iga Świątek on Sunday, knocking out the defending US Open champion in the round of 16 at Flushing Meadows.
The sheer power of the great Ostapenko once again proved too much for Świątek, with the Latvian winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 and improving to 4-0 in their head-to-head record.
The 20th seed in New York, Ostapenko scored 31 winners en route to her win, ending Świątek’s 75-week run as world No. 1. The Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka will take over first place for the first time after the US Open.
“I think the main thing is that she doesn’t really like big hitters,” Ostapenko told reporters after her win. “She likes to have some time. When I play fast, aggressive and strong, she’s in a bit of trouble.
“I always expect a tough fight against Iga, she’s such a great player and very consistent… but I just went for it. I know I had to play my game and be aggressive because that’s not what she likes.
After losing the opening set, Ostapenko then dominated the match and rushed into a remarkable 5-0 lead in the decisive third set.
Świątek, who has yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament, managed to dodge one of the bagels she so often hands out to opponents, but in the end she couldn’t do anything to stop Ostapenko’s power and precision.
“I’m surprised that my level has changed so drastically,” Świątek told reporters. “When I play badly, I usually play badly in the beginning, then catch up or solve problems. This time it was totally the opposite.
“I don’t really know what happened to my game. Suddenly I was out of control.”
Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, will face Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals after the teenager beat returning Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
Gauff, who had to come back from a break-up in the third set, won the biggest title of her career in Cincinnati ahead of the US Open and continued her fine form in New York.
As the sixth seed and one of the favorites to take the title in the open court, Gauff is aiming to reach a second grand slam final and her first on home soil.
Her win ended Wozniacki’s remarkable return to the sport after the Dane retired three and a half years ago to start a family. This was Wozniacki’s first appearance at a grand slam since the 2020 Australian Open, having only returned to the tour last month.
Wozniacki’s run at Flushing Meadows, which saw her knock out 11th seed Petra Kvitová, will no doubt fill her with confidence ahead of the new season.
“There are many positives that I can take with me into the future. I’m on the right track,” said 2018 Australian Open champion Wozniacki.
“I find my shape, I find my feet. I’m excited to take on more events and more players.”