Winning machine Swiatek keeps her numbers on track
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek yesterday advanced to the Round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open after defeating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1.
The victory improved Swiatek’s season record to 26-4.
Since 2000, Swiatek (87%, 67-10) holds the highest winning percentage of any player on clay at WTA Tour events. Only four other players have a win rate over 80% over that span: Justine Henin, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Lindsay Davenport.
With her win over No. 30 Cirstea, Swiatek has now won her last 16 matches on clay against opponents ranked outside the WTA’s Top 20.
At WTA 1000 events, she has not lost on clay to a player ranked outside the Top 20 since 2020.
Swiatek will face No. 55 Sara Sorribes Tormo tomorrow for a spot in the quarter-finals.
She holds a 3-0 record against Sorribes Tormo. Their last meeting came at the United Cup in January, where Swiatek won 6-2, 6-1.
With the roof closed over Manolo Santana Stadium, Swiatek’s precision game was in full flow as she improved to a perfect 4-0 over Cirstea.
“We still weren’t sure before the match if the roof was going to be opened or closed,” Swiatek said.
“They only told us, like, 15 minutes before, and at that point they were sure, but before they were kind of looking for how the forecast looks like.
“I was ready for both scenarios, but for sure it felt a little bit like Roland Garros 2020 because of the weather today, and I knew that I can play well in these conditions.”
A two-time quarterfinalist in Madrid, Cirstea found herself under relentless pressure in her service games. Swiatek generated a total of 14 break points in the match, breaking Cirstea’s serve five times. In contrast, Cirstea saw just two chances to break Swiatek’s serve, converting one break point in the match.
Already a champion at two of the four WTA 1000 events of the season, Swiatek is bidding to win her first Madrid title over the next fortnight. It is the only European clay tournament at the WTA 500 level or above that she has yet to win.