# Iga Świątek to Face Jekaterina Aleksandrowa in WTA Bad Homburg Quarterfinal
Iga Świątek, Poland’s top-ranked tennis player, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 tournament in Bad Homburg, Germany, where she will face Russia’s Jekaterina Aleksandrowa for a spot in the semifinals. The match, scheduled for **June 26, 2025**, promises to be a thrilling encounter as both players look to fine-tune their grass-court game ahead of Wimbledon .
## **Świątek’s Path to the Quarterfinals**
Świątek received a first-round bye as the tournament’s No. 4 seed and made her grass-court season debut in the second round against former world No. 1 **Viktoria Azarenka**. Despite a shaky start—trailing 1-4 in the first set—Świątek rallied to win **6-4, 6-4**, showcasing her ability to adapt to the faster grass surface . Her performance was marked by strong baseline play and clutch serving, particularly in key moments where she neutralized Azarenka’s aggressive returns .
## **Aleksandrowa’s Hard-Fought Victory Over Sakkari**
Świątek’s next opponent, **Jekaterina Aleksandrowa**, secured her quarterfinal berth after a grueling **three-set battle (6-3, 6-7(2), 6-3)** against Greece’s Maria Sakkari. The match, lasting over two hours, saw Aleksandrowa dominate early before Sakkari fought back in a tense second-set tiebreak. However, the Russian regained control in the decider, capitalizing on Sakkari’s inconsistent serve to seal the win .
## **Head-to-Head and Grass-Court Form**
This will be the **sixth meeting** between Świątek and Aleksandrowa, with the Polish star holding a **3-2 edge** in their previous encounters. However, Aleksandrowa won their most recent match in **Miami 2024 (6-4, 6-2)** . Notably, this will be their **first clash on grass**, a surface where Aleksandrowa has shown promise, having reached the **Wimbledon fourth round in 2023** . Świątek, meanwhile, is still refining her grass-court game but has demonstrated steady improvement, reaching the Bad Homburg semifinals in 2023 before withdrawing due to illness .
## **Stakes for Wimbledon Preparation**
The Bad Homburg tournament serves as a crucial warm-up for Wimbledon, which begins on **June 30**. For Świątek, a deep run here would boost her confidence after a recent dip in rankings (she is currently **No. 8**). Aleksandrowa, ranked **No. 18**, is also eyeing a strong showing to solidify her status as a dangerous grass-court player .
## **Key Factors in the Match**
– **Świątek’s Forehand Consistency**: Analysts note that her forehand, sometimes unstable on grass, will be critical against Aleksandrowa’s powerful baseline game .
– **Aleksandrowa’s Serve**: Her strong first-serve percentage (evident in her win over Sakkari) could pressure Świątek’s return game .
– **Mental Toughness**: Świątek’s ability to handle high-pressure moments, as seen against Azarenka, may prove decisive .
## **Conclusion**
The quarterfinal clash between Świątek and Aleksandrowa is set to be a compelling duel, blending tactical precision with raw power. With Wimbledon looming, both players will be eager to claim victory and build momentum. For Świątek, this match is an opportunity to reassert her dominance; for Aleksandrowa, it’s a chance to continue her rise on grass. Tennis fans can expect a fiercely contested battle in Bad Homburg .
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