Belinda Bencic has claimed a 12th consecutive victory at Indian Wells, prevailing 6-3 4-6 6-3 over fifth-seed Czech Karolina Pliskova to enter the semi-finals.
The 22-year-old, who won the Dubai title against Pliskova’s compatriot Petra Kvitova last month, has racked up an impressive string of victories since representing Switzerland in the Fed Cup at the start of February.
Her result against Pliskova is also her sixth consecutive win over a top-10 player.
“It feels amazing,” said Bencic.
“The pressure is not on me against top 10 players; they have the pressure, so I can just play. I just tried my best because I never try to think about the victory. I’m really relieved, surprised and happy.”
Bencic, ranked 23rd in the world, broke Pliskova’s serve twice to take the first set lead in 34 minutes but Pliskova recovered quickly.
The 26-year-old world No 5 won four games in a row and even though Bencic rescued a break back, Pliskova held on to level the affairs and force a deciding set.
However three straight errors from Pliskova gave Bencic a match-winning break, allowing her to book a place in the semi-finals after two hours and 16 minutes.
Bencic will meet either Germany’s Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber or American Venus Williams in the final four.