ATP Tour

Ruud praises Swiatek after US Open mixed wins: 'Determination like I've never seen'

Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek are two wins away from the US Open mixed doubles title and the $1 million prize money cheque that comes with the trophy.

The singles stars earned two dominant victories Tuesday, eliminating home favourites Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe 4-1, 4-2 before ousting American Caty McNally and Italian Lorenzo Musetti by the same scoreline.

It was even more impressive that Swiatek was fresh off her victory at the Cincinnati Open, where she triumphed Monday evening.

"Honestly I think actually it's kind of nice for the recovery as well to have another task and not let yourself be lazy, but already focus on the next exciting thing," Swiatek said. "I wouldn't say I don't have energy or something like that. Also if I'm used to playing singles, mixed doubles, it is less intense. You don't need to run that much, so I'm enjoying it."

Ruud had already been in New York preparing for the US Open while his partner was still storming through the Cincinnati draw. Was the Norwegian worried their team might need to withdraw?

"I can't lie, I was a little concerned," Ruud said. "We both prepared each other if we were to do well in Cincinnati, that something might happen. We said that early when we planned."

Swiatek chimed in: "See I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry!"

Ruud was eating dinner Monday evening following the score and although the Pole was unaware, the 2022 US Open finalist was even in dialogue with Swiatek's team during the Cincinnati final.

"I think it's her will in the end and she decided to show up here, which is wildly impressive because she got to bed 12 hours ago in her hotel in New York and she was here stretching, doing her warmup at 10 a.m.," Ruud said. "I was in the gym working on my backswing and I looked at Iga like, 'This is determination like I've never seen it before!'"

The other players from the first set of matches who reached the semi-finals were defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. They put their familiarity with one another to good use in a 4-2, 4-2 win against Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, before beating Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev 4-1, 5-4(4).

"I think [it] was great. We had many emotions. I think it's always nice to play with Sara for the energy. We always try to put our max energy on the court," Vavassori said. "I think also on the second match, the stadium was packed, so it was also great to see a lot of people. I think also the second set of the second match was great, so many good points, so many rallies.

"I think also it's nice for mixed doubles to be seen on a big stage. I think the best thing we can take from this week is that more people will get to know mixed doubles. I think also for the future [that] will be a good thing."