Defending champion Iga Swiatek cruised previous Zheng Qinwen to arrange an Indian Wells semi-final towards teenager Mirra Andreeva.
Zheng beat Swiatek on the best way to successful gold ultimately 12 months’s Paris Olympics – however she was no match for the Pole of their first assembly since.
The world quantity two led by a set and a double break earlier than dangerous climate led to play being suspended.
It solely delayed the inevitable, nevertheless, with China’s Zheng successful two video games after the delay earlier than Swiatek closed out a 6-3 6-3 victory.
“It was a bizarre match with all of the breaks and every little thing, however I wished to be composed and actually centered and I am glad that I did that,” Swiatek stated.
Swiatek, 23, might change into the one lady since Martina Navratilova in 1990 and 1991 to win back-to-back Indian Wells titles.
The five-time main winner was champion in 2022, misplaced within the semi-finals in 2023, and triumphed once more final 12 months.
She is going to subsequent face 17-year-old Andreeva, who surprised Swiatek within the quarter-finals in Dubai final month.
Andreeva, who went on to win the Dubai title, beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 7-5 6-3 to succeed in the final 4 and prolong her successful streak to 10 matches.
World primary Aryna Sabalenka will face Madison Keys in a rematch of January’s Australian Open last within the different semi-final in California.
