By David Awopetu
Unseeded teenager, Iga Swiatek, thrashed French Open favourite, Simona Halep, to reach her first grand slam quarter-final at Roland Garros on Sunday.
Halep beat Swiatek 6-1 6-0 at the same stage of the Paris major last year, but the world number 54 from Poland gained sweet revenge with a magnificent 6-1 6-2 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Two-time grand slam champion, Halep, had won a career-best 17 consecutive matches, but she was bulled by the inspired 19-year-old, who hit 30 winners and did not face a break point in a stunning performance.
The 19-year-old will play with either Dutch fifth seed, Kiki Bertens, or Martina Trevisan of Italy next.
Swiatek asserted herself from the start, taking the first set in 24 minutes and finishing the match with an astonishing 30 winners.
Swiatek was in tears after her victory and admitted she had surprised herself with her level of play.
“I felt like I was playing perfectly and I was so focused that even I am surprised that I can do that,” she said.
