The China Open saw a clash of the titans in the first semifinal. Iga Swiatek faced Coco Gauff in what proved to be an exciting match-up. Their previous matches were followed closely by everyone in the world. One would assume the stadium would be jam-packed once again. However, that was not the case; the attendance for their match was shocking, to say the least.
Despite the abysmal audience, their match proved to be exciting once again. Their last match saw Swiatek relenting to Gauff in the Cincinnati Masters. Their rivalry continued in this bout, but there were, unfortunately, not enough viewers to witness it.
Coco Gauff vs. Iga Swiatek draws in bare minimum viewers
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Both Gauff and Swiatek are grand slam champions. Their bout in the China Open was a match between the French Open and the US Open winner. Any tennis fan would expect that the crowd would be fitting like sardines and that fans would fight for the tickets. Shockingly, the situation was the complete opposite.
Instead of a packed and energetic crowd, their match filled less than one-third of the seats in Beijing. Tennis journalist José Morgado shared the percentage of the stadium that was filled by the crowd. “Shockingly bad crowd for the Swiatek vs. Gauff semifinal in Beijing. Around 30% full“. This has unfortunately been the situation in the China Open since it began.
Shockingly bad crowd for the Swiatek vs. Gauff semifinal in Beijing. Around 30% full
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 7, 2023
Swiatek even pleaded, in an earlier bout, with tennis fans in the country to come and watch their matches. Even with the small number in the audience, Swiatek fans were all around and supported her to victory. Despite the lack of audience, their bout was filled with speed, intensity and overall great performances.
Swiatek emerges victorious after previous loss
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Although there weren’t many in the audience, the bout between the two players proved to be a great match. Both players played to the best of their abilities despite Gauff’s loss. The Polish player managed to beat Gauff’s streak of 16 consecutive wins. The world No.3 also sustained an injury in the match and needed a medical timeout.
Too good from Iga Swiatek.
6-2, 6-3.
She looked reinvigorated and refreshed by chasing, and played fabulously well.
Coco Gauff wasn’t terrible. This was just a return to their rivalry from before 3 months ago.
Hopefully Gauff’s medical timeout (shoulder) not serious.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) October 7, 2023
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Despite the issues, she held her own and battled till the final point. The match ended 6-2, 6-3, and now Swiatek has the chance to move closer to the current world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. If she wins the finals, there will be a difference of less than 100 points between them since Sabalenka is out of the tournament. Will Swiatek pip the Belarusian for the year-end No.1 title?
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