The red clay of Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena has once again borne witness to the relentless dominance of Iga Swiatek, the undisputed “Queen of Clay.” In a commanding performance at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the 23-year-old Polish superstar launched her clay-court campaign with a 6-2, 6-2 rout of Croatian qualifier Jana Fett, ranked No. 153 in the world. This victory, her 11th in 12 matches at the WTA 500 event, has propelled Swiatek to a 92% win rate in Stuttgart, placing her just behind the legendary Tracy Austin, whose 96% win rate (24-1) remains the benchmark. As Swiatek chases history, her latest triumph signals her intent to solidify her reign on clay and etch her name alongside the sport’s immortals.
Swiatek’s performance was a masterclass in precision and power. She won 70% of her first-serve points and converted five of 14 break-point opportunities, dismantling Fett in just over 75 minutes. “It’s still a challenge because it’s not like I come to play [on clay] and everything is perfect suddenly,” Swiatek said at Stuttgart’s Media Day, reflecting on the transition from hard courts. “We play on hard court most of the year, so coming to clay court I still need some time to adjust to. But for sure I feel like I’m in the right place.” Her seamless adaptation to the indoor clay, the only WTA event played on this surface since 2009, underscores why she’s a four-time French Open champion and a two-time Stuttgart winner (2022, 2023).
Tracy Austin’s shadow looms large over Stuttgart. The American prodigy dominated the tournament’s early years, winning four consecutive titles from 1978 to 1981 on indoor carpet, a surface long since retired. Her only loss came in the 1982 final to Martina Navratilova, cementing a near-mythical 24-1 record. “My first job was being a professional tennis player,” Austin once recalled. “I turned pro aged 15 and won my first tournament in Stuttgart. My prize was a Porsche but I didn’t even have my driver’s licence.” Swiatek, who has celebrated her own Stuttgart victories with a red Porsche Panamera in 2022 and a blue Porsche Taycan in 2023, is now within striking distance of Austin’s record, her 11-1 mark a testament to her clay-court supremacy.
The Stuttgart Open, a cornerstone of the WTA calendar, is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of tennis excellence. Swiatek’s love for the event extends beyond the court. “I love it so much that we can rent cars here and drive them during the tournament,” she said, reveling in the freedom of cruising Stuttgart’s streets. Her playful side shines through in moments like singing to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop” in her car, a ritual she admitted makes her feel “pretty cool, like in a music video.” These glimpses of personality endear her to fans, who pack the Porsche Arena to watch her blend artistry with athleticism.
Swiatek’s path forward is fraught with challenges. Her next match pits her against a potential clash with Jelena Ostapenko, a formidable opponent who has historically troubled her. A quarterfinal showdown with Emma Navarro looms, and top seed Aryna Sabalenka, a three-time Stuttgart finalist, awaits in a possible final. “For sure I’m proud of my achievements here,” Swiatek noted, but she remains focused on the present. “It’s good to come back and feel these nice memories, but it doesn’t change what’s going to happen in the future.” Her 2024 clay season, where she went 21-1, losing only to Elena Rybakina in Stuttgart, sets a high bar.
The broader context of Swiatek’s career adds weight to her Stuttgart pursuit. With 22 WTA titles, including five Grand Slams, she’s already surpassed Polish legend Agnieszka Radwańska. Her 89% win rate on clay (89-11) is unmatched among her peers, and her 2024 doping controversy—a one-month ban for a contaminated sleep medication—only strengthened her resolve. As she defends titles in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros, where she’s won four times, Swiatek carries the pressure of over 4,000 ranking points. Yet, her calm preparation this season, as she noted, “with a bit more calm,” suggests a player ready to conquer.
Swiatek’s Stuttgart story is one of legacy in the making. Behind Austin, she trails icons like Navratilova (90% win rate, six titles) and Maria Sharapova (84%, three titles). But with her topspin-heavy forehand, elastic movement, and Nadal-esque intensity, Swiatek is carving her own path. As she drives toward a third Stuttgart crown—and perhaps a Porsche to match—her chase for Austin’s record is a thrilling subplot in a career destined for greatness.