Kaia Kanepi’s Giant Killing Run Ends-Loses to 7th Seed Iga Swiatek in Quarterfinals of Australian Open 2022

Kaia Kanepi has had a memorable run at the Australian Open 2022 which ended today as she went down fighting to the seventh seed Iga Swiatek of Poland 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 3-6. The Estonian was disappointed, having come so close to reaching her first Grand Slam semifinals.

Instead, the 2020 French Open champion has progressed to her first Australian Open semis and will be looking to add another major title to her name.

Iga Swiatek progresses to the semi-final of Australian Open 2022

Having defeated one of the tournament’s favorites and second seed Aryna Sabalenka in the 4th round, Kanepi entered the quarterfinals brimming with confidence. Kanepi started the game well by attacking Swiatek’s serve well. Further, she capitalized on the errors of her Polish opponent. Swiatek committed 6 double faults in the first set as against Kanepi’s solitary double fault.

Moreover, the Pole failed to convert any of the 4 breakpoints that were up on offer in the first set. Meanwhile, Kanepi converted a breakpoint among the 5 that were offered by her opponent. The Estonian held her nerves to break Swiatek’s serve in the 7th game of the first set. Kanepi eventually took the first set 6-4.

The second set was a see-saw battle between the two. The two players exchanged breaks in their first service games of the second set. However, in the third game, the Pole managed to hold her serve and subsequently broke Kanepi’s serve for the second consecutive time to take a 3-1 lead in the second set. The Estonian came back strong and leveled the second set at 4 games apiece. However, she eventually lost the second set 7-6 (7-2).

The third set began with Swiatek breaking the Estonian’s serve. The players weren’t helped by the hot and humid conditions in Melbourne as they faced difficulty holding their serves. However, Swiatek kept her cool and managed to win crucial points as she completed her wonderful comeback to seal the match by winning the third set 6-3.

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The Estonian’s run at the Australian Open 2022

Kanepi has proved to be a giant killer at this year’s Australian Open. She knocked out the former World Number 1 Angelique Kerber in the first round in straight sets. Further, in the fourth round, the Estonian caused the upset of the tournament when she defeated one of the pre-tournament favorites, Aryna Sabalenka, in a 3-setter thriller. However, she lost steam in the quarterfinals against Iga Swiatek. The Polish sensation will face Danielle Collins of the USA in the semifinals.

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Despite her shaky start in the first set, Swiatek will be proud of the way she turned the match around. Can she continue her impressive run and reach the final? Let us know your views in the comments below.