Top-Ranked Swiatek Cruises to Madrid Open Final for Second Consecutive Year
Iga Swiatek, the World No. 1, effortlessly secured a spot in the Madrid Open final for the second year in a row, defeating Madison Keys in straight sets on Thursday. The Polish sensation triumphed over the 20th-ranked American 6-1, 6-3 in the semifinal clash.
Swiatek, who has already claimed titles in Indian Wells and Doha this season, described her performance as “pretty clean” and “really solid.” The Madrid Open remains the only prominent European clay-court tournament that the 21-year-old has yet to conquer.
“I’m happy that we can play a final against the top players,” Swiatek said. “It shows consistency. For sure it’s going to be a challenge, whoever it’s going to be, and a tough match. I will be ready. I will focus on myself.”
Swiatek’s opponent in the final will be either world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka or No. 4 Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka defeated Swiatek in last year’s Madrid Open final, but the top-seeded player is confident she can overcome the challenge this time around.
Keys, on the other hand, expressed disappointment in her semifinal loss but remained optimistic about the progress she has made. The American highlighted the positives of reaching the semifinals in Madrid, just her fourth tournament back after recovering from a shoulder injury.
“It’s been a while since I have won four matches in a row. Lots to build on. It’s obviously great momentum going into Rome next week,” Keys said.
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