Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals of the Wuhan Open on Friday, securing a 6-4, 6-1 win over Ann Li and setting up an all-Polish clash against Maja Chwalinska. The victory marked Swiatek’s first semifinal appearance at the Wuhan tournament and came as she continues to pursue one of the final two available spots at the upcoming WTA Finals in Indian Wells.

Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, managed to hold off the challenge posed by Li, a 26-year-old American ranked 31st in the world. Li had a strong tournament up to that point, having upset world number two Aryna Sabalenka in the second round and reaching her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal, along with recording her 100th tour-level win. Despite Li’s pressure early in the match and Swiatek committing 21 unforced errors and facing three break points, the Polish player maintained an early break advantage to take the first set after 56 minutes. Swiatek then dominated the second set, securing her place in the semifinals for the fourth time this year at a WTA 1000 event.

Swiatek reflected on the upcoming semifinal against Chwalinska, who is a childhood friend. “For sure it’s great that we have two Polish players in the semi-finals,” she said. “I think it means a lot to Polish tennis, so hopefully it’s going to be a nice match. I’m really happy for Maja, she for sure improved her game this year.”

Chwalinska reached the semifinal stage after a hard-fought 6-0, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Greece’s Maria Sakkari. The match marked Chwalinska’s first appearance in a WTA 1000 semifinal. She also expressed enthusiasm about facing Swiatek on Saturday, noting the significance for Polish tennis. “I think it would be great for us and great for Polish tennis as well,” she said.

Both players will battle for a place in the Wuhan Open final, with Swiatek seeking to bolster her chances of qualifying for the prestigious WTA Finals, where only the top eight players of the season earn a spot.