Iga Swiatek is searching for her first WTA title of the year at the 2025 Madrid Open tournament.
The world number two has been a consistent performer on the WTA Tour this year, reaching the quarterfinals in each of the six tournaments she’s played.
She is, however, yet to win a title in 2025, and most recently suffered a disappointing exit in Stuttgart, where Swiatek lost to Jelena Ostapenko for a sixth time.
Traveling to Madrid, Swiatek faced off against another opponent whom she’s struggled against recently.
Narrowly escaping defeat against Alexandra Eala, the Pole advanced in three sets, as she now assesses the court conditions at the Madrid Open.
Iga Swiatek says the Madrid Open courts are ‘pretty fast’ and ‘not like classic clay’
Swiatek beat Eala, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, to book her place in the third round of the Madrid Open.
During her on-court interview, Swiatek gave her verdict on the conditions at this year’s tournament.
“The conditions are different from last year, I think it’s like 10 degrees more, so the game is going to be a little bit different,” she said.
“I feel like my top spin will work here, and I feel like these courts are pretty fast.
“It’s not like classic clay where the ball bounces super slow, so I think you need to be really smart with the tactics, sometimes play with spin, sometimes a little bit more flat to keep the ball going fast.
“I’m going to try to balance that in the next matches and I’m happy that I’m going to be able to play in front of you guys more.”
Eala had beaten Swiatek earlier this year at the Miami Open and looked in good shape to win for a second time against the Pole when she led by a set and a break.
It wasn’t to be, however, as Swiatek fought back, extending her run of WTA Tour opening-round victories to 55.
Swiatek was happy to secure the win but admitted she struggled to find a rhythm during the early stages of her match with the Filipino star.
“For sure it wasn’t easy to get into the rhythm, to feel the right timing, so I’m happy that I was patient,” she said.
“I always love playing here, for sure I’m just proud of my performances in the last two years, and it’s great to come back and have this experience.”
Iga Swiatek set for Linda Noskova clash in round two of the 2025 Madrid Open
Next up for Swiatek is Czech 20-year-old Linda Noskova, who beat Maria Lourdes Carle in her opening match, 7-5, 6-1.
The Pole is aware of just how dangerous Noskova can be, having played her several times before.
“We always play amazing matches, so hopefully this one is also going to be enjoyable and good entertainment, but obviously I’m just going to focus on my performance,” said Swiatek.
“Linda [Noskova] is a great player and I have huge respect for her, so we’ll see.”
The pair have faced off five times on the WTA Tour, with the 23-year-old winning their previous three encounters.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2025 Qatar Open – 3R | Iga Swiatek | Linda Noskova | 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2024 Miami Open – 3R | Iga Swiatek | Linda Noskova | 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2024 Indian Wells – 3R | Iga Swiatek | Linda Noskova | 6-4, 6-0 |
| 2024 Australian Open – 3R | Linda Noskova | Iga Swiatek | 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2023 Warsaw – QF | Iga Swiatek | Linda Noskova | 6-1, 6-4 |
Swiatek battled back from a set down in her two previous matches against the world number 31, coming through a 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 winner on both occasions.
Noskova secured her sole career victory over the five-time Major champion at last year’s Australian Open, winning a three-set thriller on Rod Laver Arena.
The youngster secured her first win over a world number one as Swiatek suffered a shock early exit in Melbourne.
Only time will tell who will come out on top when the pair face off for a sixth time, but if history is anything to go by, it’ll certainly be worth a watch.
Noskova and Swiatek will battle it out for a place in the Madrid Open fourth round on Friday, April 25.
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