Iga Swiatek demonstrated her exceptional skills once again at the 2024 Madrid Open by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final and claiming another trophy.
After falling short in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the Polish player arrived in Madrid with a clear hunger for victory. Her performance in the final showcased her determination and talent, solidifying her status as a top player.
Celebrating her well-deserved win, Swiatek’s triumph was evident as she outshone Sabalenka on crucial occasions. This victory underscored her exceptional skills and competitive spirit.
Renowned coach Rennae Stubbs praised Swiatek’s prowess on clay courts, highlighting her excellence during a recent podcast episode.
“It was one or two points where it really came down to it, where Iga Swiatek got the ball back cross court but in the middle of the court. So, through the middle of the court, I call it the tunnel.”
“It’s a very big thing for me and I coach it. Hit it through the tunnel, especially on clay and you’re gonna find a shitty bounce in the middle of the court there, where everybody runs.”
Swiatek’s exceptional movement on clay courts has earned her accolades as one of the best movers in the game. Stubbs even compared her clay court skills to those of legends like Arantxa Sanchez and Steffi Graf.
“You might get a dirty bounce. But I get it back, and because Iga is such a great mover on clay. She is so good on clay, she reminds me of Arantxa Sanchez and Steffi Graf and the great claycourt movers, where you know they can get a ball that not many can, because they can just glide to the shot.”
