World No. 1 Iga Swiatek entered the Madrid Open final after thrashing Madison Keys in straight sets in the semifinal of the Madrid Open on May 2. Top-ranked Swiatek crushed No. 20 Keys 6-1, 6-3 in just 70 minutes to book a rematch with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final. Sabalenka, who rallied to overcome No. 4 ranked Elena Rybakina 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5). Swiatek is yet to secure the prestigious Madrid title, one of the few European clay-court titles missing from her collection.
Really solid game from myself: Swiatek
"It was a pretty clean performance and really solid game from myself. I'm happy with everything. It will be the third final of the year for Swiatek after titles in Indian Wells and Doha. I'm happy that we can play a final against the top players," Swiatek said in the post-match presentation.
'I was hoping that I'll have opportunity to turn this match around'
Sabalenka needed three sets to win against Swiatek in the Madrid final last year. Now, she has reached her third final at this event after stopping Rybakina's 16-match winning streak on clay.
"It shows consistency. For sure it's going to be a challenge, whoever it's going to be, and a tough match. I will be ready. I will focus on myself. I was just trying to fight for every point. I was hoping that I'll have opportunity to turn this match around, and yeah, super happy that I was able to do that,” Sabalenka said.
Lots to build on: Madison Keys
After her defeat in the semi-final of the Madrid Open, Madison Keys said she was disappointed but there is a lot to build on. She also highlighted the Rome match, which is around the corner.
“A lot of really great things to take from the tournament. It's been a while since I have won four matches in a row. Lots to build on. It's obviously great momentum going into Rome next week,” Keys said.
In the men’s singles, Daniil Medvedev withdrew from his quarterfinal match due to a leg injury and 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka officially advanced 6-4. Now, Lehecka is set to face 35th-ranked Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals of the Madrid Open.
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