Iga Swiatek says her comeback win in the final of the Madrid Open was partly inspired by Rafael Nadal and his mental strength.
The world No.1 endured a marathon battle against Aryna Sabalenka before prevailing 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(9), after more than three hours of play. During what was a rollercoaster thriller at the Caja Magica, Swiatek clawed her way back from a 1-3 deficit in the decider before going on to save three match points. Overall, there were 10 breaks of serve during the final.
“I’m really proud of myself and really happy because when you have matches like that and when you have to fight through some stuff, it makes it even better. So I’m really proud of myself.” Swiatek said of her latest triumph.
“I think it was the most intense and crazy final I played.” She later added.
The 22-year-old has now won 20 WTA titles so far in her career which makes her the youngest player to achieve this tally on the Tour since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012. She is also the youngest player to win eight or more clay court events since Arantxa Sanchez Vicario in 1994.
Reflecting on her most recent triumph, the Pole credits fellow player Nadal for helping inspire her comeback. Referring to his Australian Open win over Daniil Medvedev where the Spaniard bounced back from two sets down to win the Grand Slam two years ago.
“I was surprised that in the third set I felt the best mentally,” she said.
“One thing that came through my mind was that I think Rafa had a couple of matches like that.
“I remember exactly when he was playing (Daniil) Medvedev in Australia (Open final in 2022) and it clicked for him. He also struggled for a bit of time, he was tense and I think stressed. That kind of gave me hope that maybe it will click, even after two hours.”
Madrid had been the only major clay court event that Swiatek was yet to win. She is already a three-time French Open champion and two-time Italian Open champion.
Meanwhile, runner-up Sabalenka is taking positives away from her defeat. She currently trails their head-to-head 3-7 but has won two out of their five most recent meetings.
“I’m super proud of myself, that I was able to take myself out of such a tough situation and be able to fight again and be able to show my best tennis,” said Sabalenka.
“Even though it was a really close, tight match and it went to Iga’s side, I’m happy with the level I played, with the effort I put into this match and into this week.
“It’s a lot of good things to take out of this tournament, and I think I’m leaving Madrid with positive thoughts.”
Both players will now travel to Rome for the Italian Open. Should Swiatek also win the title there, she would become the first player to win both tournaments within the same season since Serena Williams did so in 2013.
