Iga Swiatek gives on-court interview after impressive win over Jessica Pegula in Rome

Iga Swiatek returned to top form on Wednesday, dropping just one game as she cruised past Jessica Pegula in Rome.

Swiatek gave Pegula little opportunity throughout the quarter-final, wrapping up a 6-1, 6-0 win in just over an hour.

After a slow start to the 2026 season, Swiatek has looked much improved since teaming up with coach Francisco Roig.

The six-time major winner will face either Elina Svitolina or Elena Rybakina next in the semi-finals.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, Swiatek spoke about what has changed for her recently.

Swiatek shares thoughts on Rome win over Pegula

“The stuff that we did [in training] for the last weeks helped a lot,” Swiatek said, as broadcast by Sky Sports.

“Much better and confidence on my shots, so I was using that from the beginning of the match today, putting pressure on Jessie, so I’m really happy with the way I played.”

When asked if she’s still in her own bubble or starting to pay attention to who’s left in the draw, Swiatek had an honest answer.

“I mean, honestly it’s impossible not to know who’s left in the tournament, so obviously I know,” Swiatek said.

“I’ll prepare the same way as before any match.

“I’ll see maybe a little bit of today’s match but most of the information will come from my coach, so yeah, we’ll prepare and I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

Iga Swiatek’s win over Jessica Pegula draws praise from Annabel Croft

While commentating for Sky Sports, Croft said: “That was so impressive. To annihilate a world-class opponent at the loss of just three games and so much to admire in the way she went about her business on this match court today.

“Very, very solid, relentless ball-striking with authority from the back of the court. I feel like she gave herself plenty of margins.

“But the forehand, which can look vulnerable, looked extremely impressive. A lot of rotation, clearly there’s been a lot of work going on that practice court with Francisco Roig.

She added: “And it’s the way she opens up the court. She was patient, she moved the ball around, and I think you pointed it out –– the returns of serve were exceptional today.

“I think for Pegula it was an off day, couldn’t impose herself. The second serve was getting hammered. She kind of got a bit negative on herself, but there wasn’t an awful lot she could do.

“She was up against someone who was very confident and took charge from the word go, so she is looking very good.”

“Sometimes when a player has almost hit rock bottom, the way that she has, it feels like she’s just bouncing back coming into her time,” Croft continued.

Iga will be hoping to build on this momentum when Roland Garros comes around next month where she’ll look to defend her title again.

Pegula’s second serve let her down against Swiatek

Pegula found it difficult to get into any rhythm during the match, especially when it came to her serving.

Swiatek took full advantage of Pegula’s second serve, and the numbers from the match backed that up.

The American won just two of 16 points behind her second serve and gave away seven break-point chances.

The 30-year-old will need a quick turnaround with Roland Garros coming up soon, giving her little time to dwell on this result.

The tournament is set to begin on May 24, marking the start of the year’s second major.

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