MADRID -- World No.1 Iga Swiatek advanced to the Round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open after defeating Romania's Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1 on Saturday. 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 Hologic 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 on Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals. The Spaniard advanced to the fourth round with a physical effort to defeat two-time finalist Victoria Azarenka 7-6(0), 6-3 in a 2-hour and 50-minute duel. Sorribes has enjoyed a resurgent week in Madrid, also notching straight-set wins over Bernarda Pera and Elina Svitolina.
Swiatek 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 actually 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.
Swiatek 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 actually 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.
This was definitely the most comfortable Iga has looked in Madrid and the best match she has played on clay in general this year.
Used her athleticism to the fullest.
It was great to see.
She will definitely need that against Sorribes Tormo who loves being marathon woman especially on clay.
Hopefully Iga won't let herself be drawn into too many extended moonball rallies.
Jazda!.
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