The 2026 Italian Open semifinal is set to deliver a high-stakes clash between world No. 3 Iga Świątek and Elina Svitolina. Both players arrived at this stage after periods of challenges in their careers, and following her quarterfinal victory against Jessica Pegula, Świątek took time to analyze the upcoming matchup, sharing thoughts on what makes the Ukrainian an incredibly dangerous opponent on the red clay.
Iga Świątek Expects Tough Test Against Elina Svitolina in Italian Open Semifinal
The past few months have been a journey of redirection for Świątek. Following a quiet start to the year, losing in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open to Elena Rybakina and suffering a disappointing opening-match exit at the Miami Open, the Polish star decided to part ways with coach Wim Fissette, bringing in Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former long-time coach, to help rebuild her confidence and to find her footing, especially on her favorite surface: clay.
She trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, even sharing the practice courts with her idol Nadal himself, a move that fellow WTA players jokingly admitted was “bad for everybody” on tour.
Now that she seems to have found her rhythm in Rome, Świątek has firmly pushed back against the “comeback” narrative. When the reporter asked, “You’re coming back, can we say you’re coming back for victories?,” Świątek simply responded, “Where was I?”
Standing in Świątek’s way is an inspired Svitolina, who has reclaimed a spot in the top 10 this year for the first time since her maternity break. Svitolina secured her semifinal spot by stunning world No. 2 Rybakina, who has been stepping up to become the primary challenger to Aryna Sabalenka’s iron grip on the No. 1 ranking, in a thrilling three-set comeback.
She had come back to the court at the Charleston Open (a WTA 500 event in South Carolina) in April 2023, just six months after giving birth. Shortly after, she won her first title as a mother at the WTA Strasbourg Open and reached the semifinals of Wimbledon 2023.
When asked about facing Svitolina during a post-match interview, Świątek was quick to praise her opponent’s 2026 campaign.
“Yeah, I mean, you know she has an amazing season,” Świątek noted. “Like she’s proven, you know, many, many times she can play amazing tournaments, so for sure it’s gonna be challenging. She’s really using the power of her opponent to play well, so for sure [she is] a tough opponent on clay.”
The 24-year-old also highlighted Svitolina’s impressive mental restraint. “I think, you know, she’s a player, her base is like being solid and not making stupid decisions and taking too much risk where you don’t need [to].”
The two have traded massive blows over the past few seasons. Svitolina famously beat Świątek at Wimbledon in 2023, while the former world No. 1 claimed victories at the 2024 Dubai Championships and the 2025 French Open. Most recently at Indian Wells in March, Svitolina edged out Świątek in a three-set quarterfinal clash, meaning the Pole now has a chance for revenge on her favorite surface.
Świątek and Svitolina will square off in the semifinal on Thursday.
