Iga Swiatek was left visibly puzzled after learning that her Wimbledon quarterfinal opponent, Liudmila Samsonova, had chosen not to find out who she would be facing until the night before their match. Samsonova, who defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, made the unusual request during her post-match press conference, asking reporters not to reveal her next opponent. She explained that this method helps her avoid overthinking and mental fatigue before big matches.

Swiatek reacts with disbelief

Swiatek, who advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominant win over Clara Tauson, was amused and slightly baffled when informed of Samsonova’s strategy. “She doesn’t know she’s playing me?” Swiatek said with a laugh. “I get it, but we don’t have so many matches anymore to not know. At some point she must know, right? Because she has to prepare. I’ll tell her.”

The Polish star, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, has a perfect 4–0 record against Samsonova, including a straight-sets win at the 2024 US Open. Despite her surprise, Swiatek acknowledged that Samsonova is a dangerous opponent, especially on fast surfaces like grass.

A clash of styles and mindsets

While Swiatek is known for her meticulous preparation and tactical discipline, Samsonova’s approach reflects a more instinctive and relaxed mindset. The Russian has been in excellent form at Wimbledon, not dropping a set en route to the final eight. Her decision to delay learning her opponent’s identity may seem unconventional, but it appears to be working for her.

Swiatek, meanwhile, is aiming to reach her first Wimbledon semifinal. She has dropped only one set in the tournament so far and appears increasingly comfortable on grass, a surface that has historically challenged her.

Quarterfinal showdown set for Wednesday

The highly anticipated quarterfinal between Swiatek and Samsonova is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, at 1:00 p.m. local time on Court 1. With both players in strong form and bringing contrasting mental approaches to the match, it promises to be one of the most intriguing contests of the tournament.

Swiatek may have the edge in experience and head-to-head record, but Samsonova’s unpredictability and mental freshness could make this a far closer battle than expected.

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Swiatek in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025

At the moment ranked no.4, the Pole has an overall 39-11 match record in 2025. Iga is currently having a run in Wimbledon where she conquered the world no.64 Polina Kudermetova 7-5 6-1, the world no.208 Caty McNally 5-7 6-2 6-1, the world no.54 Danielle Rose Collins 6-2 6-3 and the world no.22 Clara Tauson 6-4 6-1.

Iga Swiatek will fight against the world no.19 Ludmilla Samsonova in the quarter on Wednesday at 1:00 pm on Court 1. Their actual record is 4-0 for Swiatek.

The Pole was the finalist in Australia (United Cup) and in Bad Homburg (Bad Homburg Open).

The Pole won 23 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 10 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)

Samsonova in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025

Now the world no.19, Samsonova has a composed 24-15 record in 2025. Samsonova is competing in Wimbledon where she beat the world no.41 Maya Joint 6-3 6-2, the world no.68 Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2 6-1, the world no.18 Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-3 and the world no.62 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5.

Liudmila Samsonova will play the world no.4 Iga Swiatek in the quarter on Wednesday at 1:00 pm on Court 1. The head to head is 4-0 for Swiatek.

Ludmilla was the runner-up in Strasbourg (Internationaux de Strasbourg).

The Russian won 5 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)

Iga Swiatek and Liudmila Samsonova played each other 4 times. Their head to head is 4-0 for Swiatek.

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