Indian Wells: Iga Swiatek advances in ‘pretty weird’ win over Karolina Muchova as Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina exit
Reigning champion Iga Swiatek continued her push for a record-breaking third Indian Wells title after securing a comfortable win over Karolina Muchova in what she described as a “pretty weird” match. The second seed qualified for the quarter-finals where she will take on Qinwen Zheng for a place in the last four. Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina were on the losing end of their ties.
Iga Swiatek continued her dominant form at Indian Wells to move into the quarter-finals with a thumping victory over Karolina Muchova after almost an hour of rain delays.
The world No. 2 sealed a 6-1 6-1 victory in 57 minutes to book her spot in the last eight, as she bids to become the first woman to win a hat-trick of titles at the WTA 1000 event.
“Sometimes matches can be pretty weird,” said defending champion Swiatek, who also won the title in 2022, about her crushing win over Muchova.
“It’s enough for one player to not feel perfect and the other feel great. Then suddenly the difference is much bigger than it usually is.
“It’s tennis. Things like that can happen. For sure I used my opportunities and I used my chances. It’s not easy, but I can imagine that it looks like it.
“I feel for sure like I’m returning well and I’m trying to put pressure on my opponents.
“But I wouldn’t say I change anything or something. I’m kind of going the same kind of process I always had.”
On the conditions, she added: “I knew this big cloud is coming, and probably if I’m not going to finish, then I’m going to wait a bit.
“On the last two games, it was a bit slippery already, but I really wanted to finish. So I kind of played more risky – but the shots were still in.”
Swiatek next faces Qinwen Zheng for the first time since their 2024 Paris Olympic semi-final, which Zheng won in straight sets to leave Swiatek in tears.
Zheng overcame Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 6-3 6-2 to reach the Indian Wells quarters for the first time.
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Elsewhere, fourth seed Jessica Pegula was knocked out by Elina Svitolina, who came from behind to defeat the home player 5-7 6-1 6-2 and set up a meeting with Mirra Andreeva.
Andreeva, 17, shocked 2023 Indian Wells champion Elena Rybakina 6-1 6-2 to advance to the last eight.
“Today was a great match,” said Andreeva.
“I knew that it’s going to be tough, but I just try to go on court and do my best, so I’m just super happy with my win today and can’t wait to play my next round here.”