Iga Swiatek Makes Indian Wells History, Avenges Olympic Loss Against Zheng Qinwen

Iga Swiatek continues her dominant run at Indian Wells, securing a spot in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year – a feat unmatched in the tournament’s history. Swiatek’s victory over Zheng Qinwen was not just another win; it was a statement, a ‘revenge’ match after Zheng’s victory at the Paris Olympics last year.

Swiatek’s Record-Setting Run at Indian Wells

Iga Swiatek has etched her name in the Indian Wells record books. She is now the first player ever to reach the tournament’s semi-finals in four consecutive years. With her sights set on a third title at the Tennis Garden, Swiatek’s dominance is undeniable. She previously won the title in 2022 and 2024, both times defeating Maria Sakkari in the final.

Chasing a Historic Hat-Trick

Swiatek is aiming to achieve something no woman has ever done: win three Indian Wells titles. Only ten women, including legends like Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova, have won the title twice. Swiatek seeks to be the first to claim a third.

Dominant Performance in Recent Matches

Swiatek has been in impressive form, dropping only 12 games in her last four matches. She achieved crushing victories against Caroline Garcia (6-2, 6-0), Dayana Yastremska (6-0, 6-2), and Karolina Muchova (6-1, 6-1).

Avenging the Olympic Defeat Against Zheng Qinwen

The quarter-final match against Zheng Qinwen held extra significance for Iga Swiatek. Zheng had defeated Swiatek in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics. Swiatek’s 6-3, 6-3 victory at Indian Wells was a sweet reversal of fortunes.

Match Highlights: Swiatek vs. Zheng

Despite swirling winds and tricky conditions, Iga Swiatek displayed control against Zheng. Swiatek won 74% of her first-serve points. She also converted all five of her break point opportunities on Zheng’s serve.

Swiatek’s Comments on the Match Conditions

“At the end it got really windy which made it super tricky,” Swiatek said in her on-court interview. “Especially when the conditions change during the match you need to adjust quickly and it’s not that easy. I am happy that I was pushing until the end. It was a weird match with all the breaks and everything but I wanted to be composed and really focused and I’m glad that I did that.”

The Road to World No. 1

Winning the Indian Wells title would be crucial for Iga Swiatek to stay close in the race for World No. 1 against Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek has an 18-4 record in 2025 and holds the most wins this season.

Upcoming Semi-final Match Against Mirra Andreeva

Swiatek’s next challenge is against Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals. Just two weeks ago, Andreeva stunned Swiatek in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships quarterfinals.

Swiatek’s Dominance at Indian Wells: By the Numbers

• Consecutive Semifinals: First player in tournament history to reach four consecutive semi-finals.
• Winning Percentage: Holds the best winning percentage in the tournament’s history at 92% (22-2 record).
• Games Conceded: Conceded just 12 games en route to the semi-finals, tying the record for the fewest by any player who has played at least four matches to reach this stage.
• Match Record Against Zheng: Improved to 7-1 overall against Zheng Qinwen.
• Straight Sets: Won the 2024 Indian Wells title without dropping a set.
• Titles: Two-time BNP Paribas Open champion (2022, 2024).
• Winning Streak: 10 straight match wins in Indian Wells.

Expert Analysis: Iga Swiatek’s Strengths

Iga Swiatek’s success at Indian Wells can be attributed to several factors:

• Adaptability: Swiatek has shown an ability to adjust to varying conditions, including the swirling winds at Indian Wells.
• Serving: Swiatek’s serve has proven to be a major weapon, especially in the quarter-final against Zheng Qinwen.
• Returning: Swiatek’s clutch performance on return, converting all five of her break point opportunities, was critical to her victory over Zheng.
• Mental Fortitude: Swiatek has demonstrated the ability to stay composed and focused, even in challenging situations.
• Court Surface: The slow, bouncy hard courts at Indian Wells seem to suit Swiatek’s game perfectly, giving her time to set up her shots.
• Experience: Swiatek’s experience at Indian Wells, where she has won two titles, gives her a sense of comfort and confidence.

The BNP Paribas Open: A Tournament of History

The BNP Paribas Open has a rich history, dating back to its first edition. Iga Swiatek looks to add another chapter to her already impressive legacy at this prestigious event.