Iga Swiatek was able to raise her level and ultimately forced her way past her teenage opponent Alex Eala in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 at the Madrid Open on Thursday.
In doing so, Swiatek also broke a Madrid Open record previously held by Serena Williams as she gained revenge over Eala in her opening match inside the Caja Magica on Court Manolo Santana.
Last month, world No. 2 Swiatek was stunned by Eala at the Miami Open, losing 6-2, 7-5 in one of the most difficult losses she has faced in recent years.
It looked as if history would repeat itself early on in Madrid, with Swiatek hitting a staggering 25 unforced errors on her way to dropping the opening set, and twice falling a break down in set two.
“It wasn’t easy to get into the rhythm and feel the right timing, so I was happy that I was just patient,” said Swiatek in her on-court interview.
“I always love playing here. For sure, I’m just proud of my performances in the last two years and it’s great to have this experience.
“For sure, the conditions are different than last year – I think it’s like 10 degrees more – so I feel like the game is going to be a little bit different, but I’m just happy to be here and happy to enjoy Madrid.”
Having reached the final of the Madrid Open in 2023 and winning the title in 2024, beating Aryna Sabalenka to claim the title, the Pole undoubtedly has an impressive pedigree at the event.
