Iga Świątek is the new queen of Madrid, having dethroned the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in yesterday’s showpiece final.
It was a clash that promised to enthral all who watched, and it certainly lived up to the billing, going the distance and only decided by a third-set breaker.
There was nothing to separate them throughout, and the mental battle that went on between the two was arguably as impressive as the physical toll such an arduous match incurred.
But, in the end it was Swiatek who came out on top to claim her first-ever Madrid Open title.
Iga Świątek reflects on Madrid Open title win
Speaking after her triumph in Madrid, the 22-year-old sought to run reporters through her ever-changing mindset in what was an intense, gruelling encounter against the number two player in the world.
She even referenced Rafael Nadal as one of those key inspirations, revealing that his heroics in Melbourne, winning the 2022 Australian Open against all the odds, helped her to rediscover her best form.
She noted: ‘For most of the match, I was really trying to loosen up a little bit more. I felt like I can play better because I played better here on my past matches.
‘Actually, felt like I need to dig through for these two hours and it didn’t really work. I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, am I going to feel a little bit more loose soon?’ It didn’t really happen, and then after two hours, it did. I was surprised by that.
‘Honestly, one thing that came through my mind was actually that I think Rafa had couple of matches like that. Guys have three sets, so they may have a little bit more time on Grand Slams to do that.
‘But I remember exactly when he was playing Medvedev in Australia and it clicked for him. It felt like it. He also struggled for a bit of time with some, he was tense and I think stressed.
‘I’m not sure because I haven’t talked to him. But it felt like that. That kind of gave me hope that maybe it will click, even after two hours.’
Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka put on a real show
In a clash where first in the world faced second, it certainly lived up to the billing with regard to drama and quality.
After all, the two traded bruising blow after blow, and there was nothing to separate them until that third-set tiebreaker saw Sabalenka slightly falter, allowing Swiatek to snatch the win.
But the way in which they lashed the ball at one another, with the Belarusian delivering some stunning backhand winners in particular, was a joy to watch.
It seemed set to neutralise the forehand threat of the Polish player, but a star with this much talent can only be subdued for so long.
To truly emphasise the drama of the clash, Swiatek had to save three Championship points before she converted one of her own.
Hopefully, this is the first of many high-octane clashes between this pair.
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