"I love testing myself" - Barty confident following clutch win over Swiatek in Madrid

In an enticing matchup between the last two Roland Garros champions, Ashleigh Barty prevailed over Iga Swiatek to reach the quarterfinals at The Madrid Open.

The 2019 French Open champion extended her winning streak on red clay to 14 consecutive matches, as she battled past the Polish star in a 7-5 6-4 victory.

"I really enjoyed myself out there tonight. I enjoyed the challenge. Iga's game is exceptional. It's really, really impressive. I love testing myself and trying to figure out the puzzle tonight and the challenges that she created for me," Barty said after the match.

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Swiatek had her own streak of 18 consecutive sets on red clay broken, as she had been undefeated on the surface since winning the Roland Garros title last September.

"I love the way that she plays," Barty said of her talented opponent. "I love the way she takes the game on. She plays without fear. I think the way she controls the court, has the ability to move and neutralize from defensive position is very, very impressive."

Awaiting the World No.1 in the quarterfinals is Petra Kvitova, as the two-time Grand Slam champion overcame Veronika Kudermetova 6-3 4-6 6-4 earlier in the day. The Czech holds a 5-4 lead in career meetings against Barty, with their sole encounter on clay going Kvitová's way at the 2012 French Open.