By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Photo credit: Andy Cheung/Getty
Coco Gauff admits she admired Iga Swiatek as both a player and a formidable presence on the court.
As Gauff prepares to challenge the reigning Madrid champion Swiatek in the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open, she carries not just her Head racquet bag but also renewed confidence, stemming from her recent back-to-back victories over Swiatek.
Historically, Swiatek has had the upper hand in their rivalry, triumphing in 11 of their 14 encounters, with a clean sweep of all 10 sets they’ve contested on clay. Gauff’s only real success came in their first meeting during the 2021 Rome semifinals—a tight 7-6(3), 6-3 defeat.
Nonetheless, Gauff approaches this match with optimism, bolstered by a newfound strategy that focuses on her game rather than Swiatek’s record. “I believe that belief is the key,” Gauff stated in Madrid after her 7-5, 6-1 victory over Mirra Andreeva. “Earlier in our matchups, I felt as if I had already defeated myself before stepping onto the court. Now, I possess a lot more confidence.”
“She’s a challenging opponent, but I no longer dwell on our head-to-head record. Each match is a fresh opportunity. I’m stepping onto the court with confidence, and I know I have what it takes to claim victory.”
Swiatek’s strategy has often capitalized on Gauff’s forehand weaknesses during their clay encounters, most notably during the 2022 Roland Garros final when she dominated with a 6-1, 6-3 scoreline. Moreover, Swiatek’s exceptional movement on clay has often neutralized Gauff’s explosive speed and court coverage.
Both champions are eager for success as they vie for a spot in the final. Swiatek aims to claim her first final since winning Roland Garros last June, while 21-year-old Gauff seeks her second final following her WTA Finals triumph last November.
In an extraordinary display today, Australian Open champion Madison Keys challenged Swiatek, delivering a bagel set—the first Swiatek has faced on clay since 2019. However, Swiatek showcased her resilience by overcoming a tough start to win the match 0-6, 6-3, 6-2.
One intriguing question looms over tomorrow’s semifinal: Can Gauff capitalize on Swiatek’s second serve with the same effectiveness as Andreeva, who achieved back-to-back victories against Swiatek in Dubai and Indian Wells, or the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, who remains undefeated against her?
Or will Gauff revert to her previous tactics of employing heavy topspin forehands aimed at Swiatek’s backhand, inviting prolonged exchanges?
Throughout the tournament, Gauff has displayed remarkable serving prowess. In her match against Andreeva, the 2023 US Open champion won 22 of 26 first-serve points and faced only two break points. Similarly, against Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic in the round of 16, she achieved the same success, facing merely one break point.
After defeating Andreeva, Gauff expressed her confidence: “I believe I have a fighting chance against anyone if I play at this level.” She added, “I don’t focus on past results against Swiatek. Each match is a new opportunity. I’ll **expect** her best and respond with my best performance.”
