Wimbledon 2023: Top seed Iga Swiatek reaches last 16 without dropping a set after taking down Petra Martic

Iga Swiatek equalled her best-ever run at Wimbledon by overcoming Petra Martic in straight sets to reach the fourth round.

The world No. 1 won 6-2 7-5 to reach the last 16, the same stage she reached during her most successful run to date at SW19 in 2021.

Swiatek’s ambitions this time will be loftier than that, and she is yet to drop a set in wins over Zhu Lin, Sara Sorribes Tormo and now 30th seed Martic.

Next in her path is Swiss 14th seed Belinda Bencic, who took down No. 23 seed Magda Linette 6-3 6-1 earlier on Friday.

“For sure, it wasn’t easy,” said the world No. 1.

“Petra was playing good. I’m happy with my performance, and I’m doing well on grass. In tennis, we have so many shots.

“It is impossible to be perfect, but I’m still only 22 so my motivation is to get better every year. Belinda plays a good game and can play a great game. Players in the fourth round are not there by mistake. I’m looking forward to that match.”

Both players safely held their opening service games, but a messy period followed as neither could keep their cool behind the racquet.

Swiatek took the first break to edge 2-1 up, but Martic struck back immediately – only for the world No. 1 to follow that up with her second – and the set’s third – break in a row.

The Pole this time managed to consolidate her advantage with a hold for 4-2 and when Martic double-faulted to cough up three more break points in the following game, Swiatek made no mistake.

She safely served out to secure an opener that was decided by her greater clinical edge, with Swiatek taking 3/3 break points and Martic only executing one from four.

Both players managed to stay strong on serve at the start of the second but Swiatek eventually drew first blood in game seven, winning all four points against the Martic serve and sealing the break with a forehand winner.

Another hold put her within touching distance of the fourth round – matching her best-ever run at Wimbledon – but a match point came and went as she looked to finish with a break.

That left the 22-year-old serving for the match, but Martic showed superb resilience to break back and put the second set back on serve at 5-5.

In typical fashion, however Swiatek recovered from trailing 40-0 to break back immediately and served successfully for the match.

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