Elise Mertens knocks out Iga Świątek in WTA 1000 Beijing quarter-finals

Elise Mertens makes history in Beijing

The 2026 Beijing WTA 1000 will be remembered for one of the biggest upsets on the women’s tour. Elise Mertens, ranked No. 19, stunned world No. 9 Iga Świątek in the quarter-finals. The Belgian delivered a masterclass, proving once again her mastery of hard courts in Asia.

A victory that shakes the tournament

Against a Świątek seeking her third title in Beijing, Mertens exploited the Polish player’s weaknesses with precision. The Belgian prevailed in straight sets (6-3, 6-4), showcasing remarkable mental and technical resilience. This marks the first time since 2023 that Świątek has been eliminated before the semi-finals in Beijing, a tournament she had dominated in the past three editions.

Mertens’ momentum continues

With this win, Elise Mertens secures her first WTA 1000 semi-final berth since 2024. The Belgian, already a finalist in Cincinnati this summer, is proving to be a formidable force on fast surfaces. Her aggressive baseline game and powerful serve were enough to outplay Świątek under pressure.

Świątek faces tough questions

For Iga Świątek, this defeat is a major setback in her 2026 campaign, which has been inconsistent so far. The Polish player, aiming for a third Beijing title, will need to regroup quickly. Her lack of consistency in key moments proved costly against a Mertens who stayed flawless.

The tournament hangs in the balance

Elise Mertens will now face an unknown opponent in the semi-finals, as the competition takes an unexpected turn. The Belgian, riding high on confidence, could be on the verge of a historic run in this Chinese WTA 1000.

Match page: Elise Mertens vs Iga Swiatek — stats and odds →