MADRID — Iga Swiatek mounted an impressive comeback after dropping the initial six games, ultimately defeating Madison Keys with a score of 0-6, 6-3, 6-2, keeping her title defense at the Madrid Open very much alive on Wednesday.
Initially outmatched by Keys in their quarterfinal matchup, Swiatek found her footing and turned the tide against the fifth-ranked American on the main stage.
“This was definitely one of the strangest matches I’ve ever played,” reflected the world’s second-ranked Swiatek. “Maddie started off with incredible plays, and I wasn’t aggressive enough. I allowed her to create mistakes just by returning the ball, and then the momentum shifted in my favor.”
This encounter marked their first clash since Swiatek let a match point slip away during the semifinals of the Australian Open, a match ultimately clinched by Keys.
Swiatek is set to face either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva next, with their match scheduled for later on Wednesday.
Aiming for her third consecutive final at the Madrid Open, Swiatek previously triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka last year, despite falling to her in the 2023 edition.
Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, is also in action today, facing off against 24th-seed Marta Kostyuk in her quarterfinal match.
Since her run to the semifinals at last year’s French Open, Swiatek hasn’t progressed past that stage in any tournament.
Yesterday marked the second consecutive day of smooth play at the Caja Magica tennis complex, following a significant blackout that disrupted activities across Spain and Portugal on Monday, leading to over 20 matches being postponed.
