Iga Swiatek, the top seed, was eliminated from the US Open after losing to Jelena Ostapenko, the world no. 21, in the women's singles round of 16. Swiatek, who was also the competition's defending champion, got off to a good start against Ostapenko, winning the first set 6-3. However, she was defeated by her rival in the following two sets. Given her dominance of the WTA Tour over the previous couple of years, Swiatek would have been considered the favorite, but on the field, Ostapenko has a distinct advantage over the Pole. Ostapenko has won all three of their previous encounters before this one.
In three matches against the powerful Latvian, Swiatek has only won one set going into their Round 4 matchup against Ostapenko. Ostapenko defeated the Pole similarly to how she had done in previous encounters by relying on bold striking that can fluctuate in intensity. However, all of her prior victories occurred before Swiatek's ascent to the top spot last year. However, Ostapenko was unconcerned with her position because she was once again able to dominate the Polish star.
“I always expect a tough battle against Iga," Ostapenko said on court after her triumph. "She's won many Slams and she plays very consistent. I just went on court and I had to play aggressive because that's what she doesn't really like. In the third set, I stepped more in the court and I was serving better."
After dropping the opening set in a match that lasted 1 hour and 48 minutes, Ostapenko produced a remarkable comeback. She will now play Tuesday's quarterfinal opponent, sixth-seeded American Coco Gauff.
The Polish star Swiatek's 75-week reign as the world's top female tennis player will end due to the loss, and rival Aryna Sabalenka is expected to replace her.
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