Iga Swiatek claimed her first Madrid Open title in an attention-grabbing final but admitted fatigue prevented her from speaking during the trophy ceremony.
In an intense battle lasting over three hours, Swiatek overcame Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of last year’s final. While the match may have followed a familiar script, the outcome this time around was different.
Swiatek demonstrated her dominance throughout the tournament, saving three match points to secure victory in a thrilling third-set tie-break. This marked her 20th career title, making her the first player born in the 21st century to achieve this milestone.
Despite being an introverted individual, Swiatek has effectively managed the balance between her on-court success and off-court persona with the help of her support team.
During the award presentation, Swiatek humorously thanked the tournament organizers, sponsors, and volunteers while apologizing to the ball kids for any perceived rude behavior on the court.
“I want to thank my family who’s watching, my sponsors, tournament sponsors, everybody who’s making this tournament possible. Also, volunteers, ball kids, sorry for the mean faces sometimes.”
“And thank you guys [fans], sorry I’m too tired, thank you for watching until the end and for amazing atmosphere. It’s always pleasure to be back in Madrid so I’ll be already looking forward for next year and yeah.”
Swiatek expressed gratitude to the fans for their support throughout the match and pledged to return to Madrid the following year to defend her title. She now sets her sights on the Rome tournament, aiming to achieve the Madrid-Italian Open double, a feat last accomplished by Serena Williams in 2013.
