Defending champion Iga Swiatek defeats Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach Indian Wells quarterfinals.

NEW DELHI: Defending champion Iga Swiatek stormed into the Indian Wells quarter-finals on Tuesday, brushing aside Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-1 in a dominant performance that lasted just 57 minutes. In a day marked by heavy rain and extended delays, Swiatek’s swift victory stood out — both for its efficiency and timing.

The world number two from Poland, who lifted the Indian Wells trophy in 2022 and 2024, didn’t face a single break point as she continued her quest to become the first woman to win three titles in the California desert.

After a 55-minute rain delay pushed back the start of her match, Swiatek revealed that the looming weather added urgency to her approach.

“On last two games, it was a bit slippery already, but I really wanted to finish,” she said. “So I kind of played more risky, but the shots were still in.”

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“I’m happy that I closed it, for sure, because I knew this big cloud is coming,” she added.

That cloud eventually delivered another round of showers that wreaked havoc with the day’s schedule. Multiple matches were delayed, including a third-set battle where Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina stunned world number four Jessica Pegula 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.