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The World No. 1 emphatically responded to losing the first set to win in three against Haddad Maia in the quarters, thus equalling the legendary former tennis player’s feat.
Iga Swiatek needed three sets in her Madrid Open quarter-final against Beatriz Haddad Maia on Tuesday to book her place in the semi-finals after 2 hours and 29 minutes on court.
Iga Swiatek advances to Madrid Open semifinals
The No. 1 seed defeated Maia 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 in the last eight to progress to consecutive semis in Madrid.
Swiatek suffered a first-set scare when she blew a 4-1 advantage to lose 6-4, but responded magnificently to notch the second without losing a game. The Pole lost only two games in the deciding set, but she was not letting another 4-1 lead slip in the third, sealing it 6-2 after over two hours on court.
"I needed to for sure stick to the tactics because, in the first set, I started making too many mistakes. I started playing too fast,” said Swiatek after beating the No. 11 seed. "I just needed to really get back to basics and what I wanted to play today.
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“It took me a while, longer than usual, but I'm glad that it happened after the set anyway."
Tuesday’s win saw the Pole advance to her fifth semi-final of 2024, and she matched a commendable Serena Williams feat in the process.
Iga Swiatek and Serena Williams
According to Opta, Swiatek’s win over Maia was her 25th win in WTA 1000 tournaments on clay, tying her with Serene Williams and Maria Sharapova as the players to reach 25 WTA 1000 victories on the surface in record time.
All three hit that mark after 29 matches, putting Swiatek in good company following her latest success.
What comes next for Iga Swiatek at the Madrid Open?
Swiatek will face Madison Keys for a place in the final after the American came from a set down to defeat Ons Jabeur in the other quarterfinal.
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