Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek delivered a dominant performance against Jessica Pegula at the Italian Open, advancing to the semifinals with a convincing victory. After struggling with clay-court form last year, the Polish star appears to have found her groove under new coach Carlos Roig, who replaced Wim Fissette. Swiatek's return to top-level clay competition comes just weeks before Roland Garros.

Swiatek's victory over Pegula showcased her renewed confidence and improved shot-making stability. She maintained high intensity while playing with greater patience, forcing errors from the 2024 US Open finalist. A key feature was her aggressive returning of Pegula's second serve. The match demonstrated Swiatek has addressed the confidence issues that plagued her during last year's clay season.

With either second seed Elena Rybakina or seventh seed Elina Svitolina awaiting in the semifinals, tougher tests remain for Swiatek in Rome. However, her performance against Pegula suggests she has successfully recalibrated her game after a difficult period. The Polish star's return to her dominant clay-court form sends a clear message to her French Open rivals.