Andreeva next for Swiatek

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Iga Swiatek beat Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-3 Thursday, avenging her Olympics semifinal loss to the Paris Games gold medalist to reach the Last 4 at Indian Wells.

The world No. 2 from Poland will get a chance to avenge another upset loss in a semifinal clash with Mirra Andreeva – the 17-year-old Russian who stunned her in the quarterfinals at Dubai last month on the way to becoming the youngest-ever WTA 1000 champion.

Swiatek can settle another score against Andreeva, who kept her bid for another prestigious title on track with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina.

The top half of the draw will feature another semifinal grudge match as world number one Aryna Sabalenka takes on Australian Open champion Madison Keys – who denied Sabalenka’s bid for a third straight title in Melbourne.

Top-seeded Sabalenka beat Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 6-3 to set up a meeting with Keys, who eased past former world number four Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-1.

Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fought off determined challenger Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the semifinals.