Iga Swiatek defeats Alexandra Eala at Madrid Open, breaks Serena Williams’ historic record

Iga Swiatek continues to prove why she’s one of the most dominant forces in WTA. The World No. 2 battled past rising star Alexandra Eala in the first round of the Madrid Open Masters 1000, staging a determined three-set comeback to keep her title defense alive, and make history breaking Serena Williams record in the tournament.

Swiatek dropped the opening set 4-6, showing signs of struggle against the aggressive play of the 18-year-old from the Philippines. But the Polish star quickly turned things around, responding with a 6-4, 6-2 surge that highlighted her championship mindset and resilience.

The victory was more than just a first-round escape. It marked a measure of revenge for Swiatek, who had suffered a surprising loss to Eala last month at the Miami Open. This time, she took control when it mattered most—and in doing so, surpassed a record held by none other than Serena Williams.

With the win, Swiatek now holds an 87.5% winning percentage at the Madrid Open, the highest in tournament history. Williams previously held the benchmark, but Swiatek’s consistency and dominance on clay continue to raise the bar.

Alexandra Eala at the 2025 Miami Open

Swiatek reacts after victory over Eala at Madrid Open

After an early exit at the Miami Open last month, Swiatek bounced back in dominant fashion, advancing past rising star Eala at the Madrid Open. The Polish world No. 1 looked focused and determined, delivering a convincing performance as she eyes another deep run in Spain.

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“We always play amazing matches, so hopefully this one was also enjoyable and good entertainment,” Swiatek said following the win. With her sights set on defending her title, she acknowledged the importance of starting strong in Madrid.

Swiatek set to face Noskova

Swiatek’s next challenge comes in the second round against Czech teenager Linda Noskova. While the official date and time of the match are yet to be confirmed, the showdown promises high-quality tennis as both players continue their 2025 campaigns in the WTA tournament. “I’m just going to focus on my performance,” Swiatek told reporters. “Linda’s a great player and I have huge respect for her, so we’ll see.”