“I just want try to do the best work possible,” Iga Swiatek hopeful of her chances for clinching the Madrid Open trophy, after missing out on it last time against Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek to face Spanish star Sara Sorribes Tormo in the Round of 16 of the Madrid Open.

“I just want try to do the best work possible,” Iga Swiatek hopeful of her chances for clinching the Madrid Open trophy, after missing out on it last time against Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

Iga Swiatek has proven on several occasions why she’s the WTA No.1. The Polish rarely gets upset in the beginning rounds of any tournament this year. At the Mutua Madrid Open, she continues to live up to expectations, beating Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the third round.

The 22-year-old World No.1 was coming into the match leading Cristea 3:0 in head-to-head. With an unbeaten record against the Romanian, she created 14 breakpoint chances but converted five. On the other hand, Cristea converted two of the breakpoint chances she had in the first set. Despite Cristea’s good display, she couldn’t withstand a ferocious Swiatek, losing 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and 12 minutes.

The win was the Polish star’s 26th of the season. Also, she achieved another career milestone, as she has yet to lose any player below the Top 20 ranking in a Masters tournaments in the past four years. She’s hoping to get past her last year’s runners-up finish. The 22-year-old lost to Aryna Sabalenka last year in her maiden Madrid final.

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After defeating Cristea, World No.1 dismissed last year’s final loss, focusing on one step at a time.

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 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.
Iga Swiatek said in her post match interview

The Polish star already has two titles this season and only four defeats.

Iga Swiatek to face ‘Giant Killer’ Sara Sorribes Tormo in Round of 16

Iga Swiatek will face ‘the giant killer’ Sara Sorribes Tormo in the Round of 16 for a place in quarterfinals. Sorribes Tormo has been in form since arriving in Madrid. She first defeated American Bernarda Pera 7-5, 6-2 in the first round. While many were thinking of Elina Svitolina going through to the third round, the Spanish 27-year-old defeated her 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 12 minutes.

Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain celebrates a point against Victoria Azarenka of Russia during the Mutua Madrid Open 2024 (Via Imago)

While Swiatek was playing Cristea, Sorribes Tormo was fighting it out squarely against Victoria Azarenka. She overcame the former No.1 7-6, 6-3 in two hours and 50 minutes, the longest-ever third-round match in Madrid Open history.

Her most notable win to date was in the 2018 Madrid Open against Naomi Osaka (when she was No.1) and also defeated Madison Keys that same year. Swiatek needs to worry about her threat on Monday.

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