Iga Swiatek easily won her semifinal match against Madison Keys in the Madrid Open on Thursday, advancing to the final where she will face Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 player. Swiatek won 6-1, 6-3 against Keys, while Sabalenka fought back from a set down to beat Elena Rybakina 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5).
This is the only significant clay-court title in Europe that Swiatek hasn’t won yet. She felt good about her performance and is excited to play against top players in the final. This will be her third final of the year after winning titles in Indian Wells and Doha.
Sabalenka, who defeated Swiatek in last year’s Madrid final, is also looking forward to the challenge. She managed to end Rybakina’s impressive 16-match winning streak on clay courts.
Both players are determined and ready for what promises to be an exciting final match.
Keys expressed her disappointment but also found positives in her performance at the tournament in Madrid. “It’s been a while since I have won four matches in a row. Lots to build on. It’s great momentum going into Rome next week,” she said.
“It’s only my fourth tournament back after the shoulder injury, so to do so well here and to be able to play some tough matches and have some three-set matches and be physically 100% still and being able to look forward to Rome and hopefully play some good tennis there is a huge positive.”
