Iga Swiatek Lauds ‘Real Gentleman’ Casper Ruud for Lifting Her Spirits After Emotional Madrid Open Breakdown

Iga Swiatek will continue her hunt for her first title since the 2024 Roland Garros in the ongoing Italian Open.

Iga Swiatek Lauds ‘Real Gentleman’ Casper Ruud for Lifting Her Spirits After Emotional Madrid Open Breakdown

Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud (Image via X/Out of Context Iga Swiatek, Tennis Talks)

Iga Swiatek has been dealing with a slump in form; she not only is searching for her first title of the season but also hasn’t yet reached a final since the Roland Garros last year. On her favorite surface too, Swiatek could not end her trophy drought.

In Stuttgart, she failed to beat Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals, registering her sixth defeat in six matches against the Latvian. Then in Madrid, she inched closer to her first title but was handed a double-breadstick by Coco Gauff in the semifinals.

After losing the first set and three games on the trot in the second set, she broke down into tears. She covered her head with a towel and cried uncontrollably.

Casper Ruud, upon watching the clip of the same on social media, tried to lift her spirits with a kind message. He expressed his hope to see her making a strong comeback soon. Swiatek, when asked about Ruud’s message ahead of her Italian Open campaign, said she was glad after receiving support from the Norwegian.

Yeah, I think Casper is one of the nicest people on tour. He’s so humble and respectful, he’s a real gentleman. So I’m glad he wrote that because it was one of the messages that lifted my spirits after the loss.

Iga Swiatek said on WTA TV

Swiatek had also congratulated the former World No.2 when he lifted the Madrid Open by beating Jack Draper in three sets. Ruud became the first player from Norway to emerge victorious in a Masters 1000 tournament. It was also his first title since the Geneva Open last year.

Ruud, who is also in Rome, will be locking horns with the winner of the first-round match between Alexander Bublik and Roman Safiullin. The 26-year-old is projected to face World No.1 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals and Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Iga Swiatek says she is satisfied with her consistency

Though Iga Swiatek has failed to lift a title this year, she produced consistent performances. She reached the quarterfinals of every tournament she played. Swiatek thinks she is being too tough on herself and is convinced she will later feel proud of her level.

Iga Swiatek Stuttgart Open
Iga Swiatek (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Later, when I can reflect and have time to view this first part of the year from a different perspective, I will be proud of my consistency. I feel that I am still as consistent as I was in past years. Of course, on the other hand, I also want to win tournaments. That is the goal.

Iga Swiatek said at the press conference

At the Italian Open, Swiatek will be meeting Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who defeated Elina Avanesyan in the first round. Swiatek is bidding to win her fourth title in the tournament, as well as defend her crown. She first took home the Italian Open in 2021 and defended it in 2022. The following year, she gave a walkover to eventual champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

Iga Swiatek could set up a final clash with Aryna Sabalenka in the Italian Open

If Swiatek reaches the final, she could meet Aryna Sabalenka for the 13th time in her career. In their 12 encounters, Swiatek holds an 8-4 head-to-head record. But in their last meeting, it was Sabalenka who came out on top. Sabalenka defeated the five-time Grand Slam champion in the semifinal in straight sets.

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek
Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Image via WTA/X)

On clay, however, the 23-year-old holds a 5-1 win-loss record against the Belarusian. The lone defeat came in the final of the 2023 Madrid Open, which Sabalenka won for the second time in her career. Before scheduling a blockbuster clash with the three-time Grand Slam singles champion, Swiatek could run into Jelena Ostapenko in the semifinals.

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