Iga Swiatek suffered an uncharacteristically crushing defeat on clay at the Madrid Open.
The Pole looked out of sorts when she took on Coco Gauff in their semi-final clash in the Spanish capital.
Swiatek managed to win just two games in a devastating loss that lasted just one hour and four minutes in the Madrid sunshine.
While many were digesting what was a poor display performance against Gauff, one player reached out to her with a positive message.
Iga Swiatek responds to the message Casper Ruud sent her after losing in Madrid
Swiatek and Gauff’s clash in Madrid was arguably the most one-sided match of the rivalry so far.
The 23-year-old was emotional on court as she struggled to keep the ball in court, as she fired 21 unforced errors while winning just 35% of her first serve points.
The World number two has since said she struggled with her concentration and movement during her 1-6, 1-6, defeat, which reduced her to tears at one point during the contest.
Swiatek went through some difficult moments in the aftermath of the contest, but the ATP Madrid champion Casper Ruud cheered her up with a positive and encouraging message on social media platform X, which was very much appreciated by the five-time Grand Slam champion.
“I think Casper is one of the nicest people on tour. He’s so humble and respectful and he’s a true gentleman, so I’m happy that he wrote that,” Swiatek told the WTA.
“For sure, it was one of the messages that got my spirits up after the loss. But overall I know I’m good and I feel good, so I’ll just keep continuing the work I’m doing on the court and hopefully some wins are going to come.”
Iga Swiatek confirms ahead of the Italian Open that she will play at Wimbledon
Following Swiatek’s Madrid Open defeat, rumours emerged that she may miss the Wimbledon Championships and the entire grass-court season.
Swiatek has struggled on the grass and she has made the quarter-finals at the All-England Club just once.
But ahead of attempting to defend her Italian Open title, Swiatek shut down any rumours of her missing tennis’ most prestigious tournament.
“Shouldn’t believe this stuff,” she told reporters in Rome. “During the past few days I saw a million comments that were not true.
“I don’t get it. There are so many theories right now I would say especially in Polish media about me that are not true. I think, I don’t know, you guys like to make some articles that will attract people. I get it. It’s part of the job.
“But yeah, for sure I’m not going to skip Wimbledon. I really want to learn how to play on grass better. Every year is another opportunity. I will play Wimbledon, for sure, unless I get injured.”
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