Polish tennis sensation Iga Swiatek, who exhibited sheer dominance in the Indian Wells Masters, faced a setback in the Miami Open as she succumbed to Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets, unable to sustain her winning streak. Alexandrova’s formidable performance reflected her approach to the match, which she described as nothing short of a “battle.”
Prior to the Miami Open, tennis legend Martina Navratilova had offered insights into defeating Swiatek, acknowledging the challenge posed by the four-time Grand Slam champion. Alexandrova, evidently well-prepared, capitalized on Navratilova’s advice, a strategy that proved effective against Swiatek.
Reflecting on her victory, Alexandrova revealed her approach: “I just tried to play every point right from the first one till the last one. I didn’t have any expectations before the match because I knew it would be extremely difficult. We played so many times before. Every time we’ve played, it was such a battle & it was difficult to play against her. I just went on the court and tried to do my best. I think I did quite well.”
Ekaterina Alexandrova after beating Iga Swiatek in Miami:
“I just tried to play every point right from the first one til the last one. I didn’t have any expectations before the match because I knew it would be extremely difficult. We played so many times before. Every time we’ve… pic.twitter.com/JY9r99Rqx2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 26, 2024
Alexandrova’s triumph marked a significant shift, as she had previously struggled against Swiatek, failing to secure a victory in their encounters. However, armed with Navratilova’s strategic insights, Alexandrova managed to seize control of the match, achieving her first win against the WTA number 1.
Navratilova’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of a strong start in the opening games, played a pivotal role in Alexandrova’s success. By adhering to this approach, Alexandrova disrupted Swiatek’s rhythm early on, effectively executing Navratilova’s advice and clinching a notable victory.
With this breakthrough win, Alexandrova now sets her sights on the next challenge, facing Jessica Pegula with hopes of advancing to the semifinals in Miami once again. Her strategic triumph against Swiatek underscores the significance of adaptability and tactical acumen in the fiercely competitive world of professional tennis.
