By Kwame Bediako
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek demonstrated resilience in her Madrid Open title defense by overcoming a fierce challenge from Diana Schnaider in a three-set thriller on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
After play was halted the day before due to a nationwide power outage, Swiatek returned to the court and secured a hard-fought 6-0, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 victory in two hours and 34 minutes. Her victory ensures her continued progress in the tournament as she aims for back-to-back titles on clay.
Swiatek started strongly, dominating the first set by breaking Schnaider early and finishing it in just 22 minutes. However, the young Russian player responded with determination in the second, fighting back from an early break to take the set in a tie-break. Schnaider’s resilience kept her in the match, and she threatened to turn the tide by breaking Swiatek early in the third set, but the Polish star steadied herself.
In a crucial moment, Swiatek regained control by breaking Schnaider in the fifth game of the final set. She then sealed her victory with a brilliant rally, finishing with a forehand winner that energized the crowd. Her mental toughness and tactical composure under pressure proved decisive, allowing her to advance to the next round, where she will face either Australian Open champion Madison Keys or Donna Vekic.
Swiatek’s win marked a significant milestone, as she became the first player since Martina Hingis to reach 17 consecutive quarter-finals on clay from WTA main draws entered. Her impressive winning percentage of 72.2% against top-20 opponents since 1990 trails only Steffi Graf and Serena Williams, highlighting her dominance on the court. Additionally, she remains undefeated at WTA level in matches where she has claimed a 6-0 set, with a career record of 78-0.
