In a dazzling display of precision and power, Iga Swiatek launched her 2025 Italian Open title defense with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory over Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round on May 8, 2025. The world No. 2’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she not only advanced to the third round but also etched her name alongside two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka in the WTA record books. Swiatek’s second-set shutout marked her 33rd 6-0 set win at WTA 1000 events since the format’s inception in 2009, tying Azarenka’s longstanding record. This milestone underscores Swiatek’s dominance at the sport’s highest levels and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
The match, which lasted a mere 52 minutes on Rome’s iconic clay courts, showcased Swiatek’s ability to overwhelm opponents with ruthless efficiency. Facing the 82nd-ranked Cocciaretto, Swiatek was in complete control, winning 51 of the 71 points played and never facing a break point on her serve. “I just wanted to stay solid and focus on my game,” Swiatek said post-match, reflecting her trademark composure. Her aggressive baseline play and impeccable movement on clay left Cocciaretto with little room to maneuver, as the Italian struggled to counter Swiatek’s relentless pressure. The victory extended Swiatek’s streak of 18 consecutive straight-set wins at the Italian Open, a tournament record, and marked her 27th consecutive opening-match win at WTA 1000 events, a run that began at the 2022 Qatar Open.
Swiatek’s achievement in Rome comes on the heels of a challenging moment at the Madrid Open, where she suffered a 6-1, 6-1 semifinal loss to Coco Gauff. The defeat, one of the heaviest in her career, served as a wake-up call for the 23-year-old Pole, who arrived in Rome determined to reclaim her form. “After Madrid, I knew I needed to reset and bring my best,” she admitted, highlighting her resilience. Rome has long been a fortress for Swiatek, who has claimed the title three times in the last four years (2021, 2023, and 2024). Her lone setback came in 2023, when she retired mid-match against Elena Rybakina due to injury. Since her debut in 2020, Swiatek has amassed nine 6-0 sets in Rome alone, tying her with Nathalie Tauziat for the fifth-most “bagels” in the tournament’s history.
The significance of matching Azarenka’s record cannot be overstated. Azarenka, a former world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion, set the benchmark with 33 bagel sets, a testament to her dominance in the early 2010s. Swiatek’s ascent to this elite level places her among the game’s greats, with only Caroline Wozniacki (31), Simona Halep (29), and Agnieszka Radwanska (26) trailing closely in the WTA 1000 bagel tally. At just 23, Swiatek’s ability to deliver such decisive scorelines speaks to her mental fortitude and tactical brilliance. “It’s about staying locked in, point by point,” she noted, emphasizing her approach to maintaining intensity throughout a match.
Swiatek’s 2025 season has been a quest to build on her already illustrious career. With 22 WTA titles, including five Grand Slams (four at Roland Garros and one at the US Open), she has solidified her status as the clay-court queen. Her 2024 campaign saw her win five titles, including a third consecutive Roland Garros crown, and cross the $30 million mark in prize money. Despite her Madrid stumble, Swiatek remains a favorite to capture her first title of 2025 in Rome, a tournament where she has a 98-0 record after winning the opening set at WTA 1000 events. Her 82-1 record after taking the first set on clay further illustrates her near-invincibility on the surface.
As Swiatek advances in Rome, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Her next opponent will test her mettle, but her history suggests she thrives under pressure. With the French Open looming, where she has won four of the last five titles, Swiatek’s Rome performance is a reminder of her unmatched prowess on clay. Tying Azarenka’s record is not just a statistic—it’s a milestone in a career destined for historic heights. As Swiatek put it, “Every match is a chance to learn and grow.” For now, her growth is rewriting the record books.
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