Iga Swiatek cools Madrid title talk with ‘different story’ comment
Iga Swiatek has claimed that every tournament is a “different story” as she cooled talk of storming to a maiden Madrid Open title this week.
The Pole has been in fine form in the Spanish capital, with an opening-round win over Wang Xiyu followed by a dominant 6-1, 6-1 triumph over 27th seed Sorana Cirstea on Saturday.
It was a trademark performance from the world No 1, who dominated from the baseline and broke her Romanian opponent six times on her way to reaching the second week.
Her performances this tournament have been reminiscent of 12 months ago, when Swiatek stormed to a first final at the WTA 1000 event.
Swiatek was beaten by rival Aryna Sabalenka in that contest, a thrilling three-set encounter that many considered the best match of 2023.
And after her win on Saturday, she revealed in her post-match interview that she was not dwelling too much on that defeat – or getting caught up in her promising form.
She said: “[It’s] Still a long way to go. Every tournament is a different story.
“It doesn’t really matter what happened last year. I think that match was called the match of the year. Pretty good tennis here.
“I just want to use the experience I had last year and try to do the best work possible and do everything step by step.”
Read More: Why the Madrid Open is ‘different’ to other big clay court events – and what we can expect in 2024
Undoubtedly the best clay courter in the women’s game, Swiatek is still the heavy favourite in Madrid this week despite her semi-final loss to Elena Rybakina in Stuttgart last week.
But Madrid is the one big clay court tournament that the world No 1 is yet to win, having won multiple Roland Garros, Rome, and Stuttgart titles previously.
Swiatek has only played twice in the Spanish capital, reaching the final 12 months ago and falling in the third round in 2021 – withdrawing from the tournament during her 37-match win streak in 2022.
Madrid will undoubtedly be the toughest clay event for Swiatek to win, with the slight altitude at the Caja Magica playing to the advantage of big hitters like Sabalenka – twice a champion at the tournament – and Rybakina.
But Swiatek is highly tipped to claim a third title of 2023 this fortnight and will be a significant favourite in her round four encounter against home favourite Sara Sorribes Tormo.
The Spaniard – who has beaten Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka to reach this stage – is yet to take a set off the Pole in three previous meetings.
