Iga Swiatek got off to a perfect start in her opening match at the Madrid Open.
After receiving a bye in round one, Swiatek defeated Daria Snigur in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, to advance in the Spanish capital.
The Pole is featuring in just her second tournament under the wing of new coach Francisco Roig, after parting ways with Wim Fissette in March.
Swiatek suffered an early exit in Stuttgart earlier this month with Roig in her corner, losing to Mirra Andreeva.
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Now, however, with Rafael Nadal‘s former mentor, the 24-year-old will look to kick on from a dominant start in Madrid, where she has just broken a record.
Iga Swiatek surpasses Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova
According to Opta Ace, no player has claimed more wins from their first 11 main draw appearances at clay-court WTA-1000 events than Swiatek.
With a tally of 39, Swiatek has surpassed the previous joint record holders, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, who both had 37.
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Still early in her career, Swiatek already has a total of four clay-court WTA 1000 trophies to her name.
She has triumphed at the Italian Open three times, and the Madrid Open once, while also finishing as the runner-up in Madrid one year.
As well as her WTA 1000 victories, Swiatek has won Roland Garros four times, which is tied with Justine Henin for the third most in the Open Era, trailing only Steffi Graf (6) and Chris Evert (7).
Iga Swiatek’s potential hurdles at the Madrid Open
Though she has had a positive start in Madrid, it will only get more difficult for Swiatek, who has a difficult path to the final.
Should Swiatek make it to the round of 16, she could be faced with Leylah Fernandez or Iva Jovic.
A potential quarterfinal opponent could come in the form of Elina Svitolina, or her Stuttgart conqueror Andreeva.
Then, her most likely semifinal assignment is world number one and defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka.
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