The clay courts of Stuttgart welcomed Iga Swiatek with open arms as the world No. 2 delivered a masterclass performance to kick off her 2025 clay season at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Facing Croatian qualifier Jana Fett in the second round, Swiatek showcased her unrivaled prowess on her favorite surface, securing a 6-2, 6-2 victory in just 76 minutes. The win not only marked her 11th triumph in 12 matches at the tournament but also set the tone for what promises to be another dominant clay campaign for the Polish superstar.
Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion and two-time Stuttgart titleholder, arrived in Germany with sky-high expectations. Her clay-court legacy is nothing short of extraordinary—89 wins in 100 career matches on the surface, an 89% win rate that towers over her peers. Yet, the transition from hard courts, where she competed earlier in 2025, is never seamless. “It’s still a challenge because it’s not like I come to play [on clay] and everything is perfect suddenly,” Swiatek remarked at Stuttgart’s Media Day. Her preparation, however, was meticulous. After a first-round bye, she used practice sessions to rediscover her rhythm, and the results were evident against Fett. “I’m happy that I found a little bit of rhythm,” she said post-match. “I gave myself time to feel the court and everything. It felt great.”
The match itself was a testament to Swiatek’s clay-court dominance. Her elastic movement, pinpoint footwork, and topspin-heavy forehand—often compared to her idol Rafael Nadal—overwhelmed Fett from the outset. In the first set, Swiatek faced no break points, dictating play with an 81% first-serve point win rate. Fett, ranked outside the top 100, showed resilience by saving six of eight break points, but Swiatek’s relentless pressure proved too much. The second set saw a brief spark from Fett, who broke Swiatek’s serve to lead 2-0. However, the Pole responded with characteristic ruthlessness, reeling off six consecutive games to seal the victory. Fett’s nine double faults, including one on match point, underscored the gulf in class.
Swiatek’s Stuttgart record speaks volumes. Since her debut in 2022, she has won the title twice, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the 2022 and 2023 finals. Her only loss came in the 2024 semifinals to Elena Rybakina, who went on to claim the crown. Now, with a quarterfinal berth secured, Swiatek faces a potential clash with either No. 7 seed Emma Navarro or 2017 Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko. While she holds a 2-0 edge over Navarro, Ostapenko poses a unique challenge, having defeated Swiatek in all five of their career meetings, including one in Doha earlier this year. “I’m happy that I have another chance to play here,” Swiatek said, her focus firmly on the next hurdle.
The broader context of Swiatek’s 2025 season adds intrigue to her Stuttgart campaign. Despite a stellar 22-3 record this year, she has yet to reach a final, a surprising drought for a player of her caliber. Her clay swing—Stuttgart, Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros—offers a chance to reclaim her throne. Last year, she won Madrid, Rome, and the French Open, losing only once in 22 clay matches. A third Stuttgart title would make her the first player since Maria Sharapova (2012-2014) to achieve a three-peat at the event, further cementing her status as the “Queen of Clay.”
Off the court, Swiatek’s return to Stuttgart is a homecoming of sorts. The tournament’s unique prize—a Porsche for the winner—has seen her drive away in style twice before, first in a red Panamera in 2022 and then a blue Taycan Turbo in 2023. Her love for the event extends beyond the trophy. “The change wasn’t really difficult, because it’s obvious that I love clay,” she said, relishing the slower, grippy surface that amplifies her game. Stuttgart also holds personal significance, with its vibrant atmosphere and supportive fans evoking fond memories. “For sure I’m proud of my achievements here,” she noted, though she quickly added, “It doesn’t change what’s going to happen in the future. So got to focus on that.”
As the clay season unfolds, Swiatek’s rivals—Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Rybakina among them—know the challenge ahead. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, has reached three Stuttgart finals but has yet to topple Swiatek here. Gauff, with her defensive prowess, and Rybakina, who handed Swiatek her lone Stuttgart defeat, loom as threats. Yet, Swiatek’s blend of power, precision, and mental fortitude makes her the player to beat. Her forehand, which clocked speeds up to 79 mph at the 2020 French Open, and her ability to slide effortlessly on clay create a formidable arsenal.
For now, Swiatek’s focus is narrow: one match at a time, one slide at a time. Her dominant opener in Stuttgart sends a clear message to the WTA Tour: the Queen of Clay is back, and she’s ready to reign.