In the heart of Spain’s vibrant capital, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek delivered a masterclass on clay, defeating Czech rising star Linda Noskova 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of the Madrid Open on April 26, 2025. The victory not only propelled the defending champion into the round of 16 but also etched her name alongside tennis icon Serena Williams, as Swiatek matched Williams’ record for reaching 15 wins at the Madrid Open in the fewest matches—just 17. “I’m happy with my focus and my attitude today,” Swiatek said on court, her voice radiating quiet confidence. “It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but I’m happy I just kept calm, even when Linda broke me. It was a good match for sure.”
The clash at Caja Magica was a test of Swiatek’s resilience, as Noskova, the No. 31 seed, brought the intensity that has defined their rivalry. The 20-year-old Czech, who stunned Swiatek at the 2024 Australian Open, pushed the Pole early, trading breaks in a tightly contested first set. But Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, leaned on her unrivaled clay-court prowess, converting all four break points and serving four aces to secure the set. The second set saw her elevate her game further, breaking Noskova in the opening game and cruising to victory in 1 hour and 17 minutes. “Every match that [Noskova and I] played was really with high intensity, and really good quality,” Swiatek noted, acknowledging the challenge. “I knew it’s going to be a challenge, but I just kept being focused on myself.”
Swiatek’s 15-2 record at Madrid, with her only losses coming against Ash Barty in 2021 and Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 final, underscores her dominance. Her 88.2% win rate at the tournament mirrors Williams’ efficiency, who claimed titles in 2012 and 2013. The 23-year-old Pole’s broader clay-court record is equally staggering, boasting an 89.7% win percentage at WTA 1000 clay events, the highest among active players. Her eighth consecutive Madrid win cements her status as the player to beat, even in a season where she’s yet to claim a 2025 title.
The victory follows a hard-fought second-round battle against Alexandra Eala, where Swiatek overcame a set deficit and 57 unforced errors to prevail. That match, a rematch of Eala’s upset over Swiatek at the Miami Open, revealed vulnerabilities, but her performance against Noskova showed a return to form. Swiatek adjusted her racket string tension mid-match against Eala to tame Madrid’s high-altitude conditions, a tactical shift that paid dividends against Noskova, where her groundstrokes were precise and punishing.
The tennis world is abuzz with Swiatek’s milestone. Fans on social media celebrated her parity with Williams, one posting, “Iga matching Serena at 23? She’s building a legacy!” Others noted Noskova’s potential, with one writing, “Linda pushed her, but Iga’s clay game is just unfair.” The win sets up a round of 16 clash with No. 13 seed Diana Shnaider, who demolished Anastasija Sevastova 6-0, 6-0, signaling another stern test. Shnaider’s aggressive style could challenge Swiatek, but the Pole’s 4-1 head-to-head edge over Noskova, including three wins since the Australian Open upset, suggests she thrives under pressure.
Swiatek’s 2025 season has been a tale of near-misses, with a quarterfinal loss to Jelena Ostapenko in Stuttgart and no titles since her 2024 French Open triumph. Yet, her clay-court pedigree—10 of her 22 career titles on the surface—makes her a formidable force as the French Open looms. Her Madrid campaign, bolstered by a first-round bye, reflects her determination to end her title drought. “I understand that there’s hype about these young players, but you have got to be focused on yourself,” Swiatek said after beating Eala, a mindset that carried her through Noskova’s challenge.
As Swiatek eyes a second Madrid title, her journey resonates beyond the court. Her 2022 charity event for Ukraine raised over half a million euros, showcasing her commitment to impact. With the tennis world watching, Swiatek’s blend of power, finesse, and mental fortitude positions her to not only defend her crown but also chase more records, with Williams’ legacy as both inspiration and benchmark. For now, Madrid remains her stage, and the Queen of Clay is far from relinquishing her throne.