Swiatek d. Elise Mertens 6-3 6-4 Iga wins her 9th consecutive match in Stuttgart. She has still never lost a match at this event. ✅25-3 in 2024 On the hunt for her 3rd consecutive title here. Clay season… Iga season… it’s all the same. 🇵🇱❤️
Iga SWIATEK’s clay comeback, reigning champion rolls over Elise MERTENS at Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
WTAThursday, 18 April 2024 at 19:07
Iga Swiatek (No. 1) secured a dominant victory of 6-3, 6-3 over Elise Mertens (No. 30) and advanced to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The Polish player competed in her first clay match since the 2023 French Open, where she claimed her 4th Grand Slam title.
Swiatek debuted in the tournament as the champion of the last two editions and aims for her third consecutive title in Stuttgart, a feat previously achieved by Tracy Austin (1978-1981), Martina Navratilova (1986-1988), and Maria Sharapova (2012-2014).
The world No. 1 was forced to save some break points early on, but then managed to secure a break and take a 3-0 lead. Swiatek was dominant from the baseline, not engaging in many extended rallies. She secured a second break in the sixth game and seemed to have everything under control with a 5-1 lead.
Mertens capitalized on an inconsistent service game from Swiatek to return the break and then held her serve to reduce the difference to 5-3. However, the Polish player didn't falter twice in a row and ultimately closed out the set 6-3. The 4-times Grand Slam champion had a 73% first serve percentage and won 64% of them, compared to Mertens' 67%, who won 57% of her first serves.
Swiatek now has a record 9-0 at Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
In the beginning of the second set, the Belgian showcased her skills to seek a better outcome. Swiatek secured the first break in her favor, but Mertens quickly returned it to maintain parity at 2-2. The world No. 30 had better moments in the early part of the set, but Swiatek didn't hesitate and when she had her first break opportunity in the 7th game, she took the definitive lead.
The Queen of Clay ultimately closed out the match 6-3, 6-4 against a tough opponent like Mertens and begins her title defense campaign in good form. The quarterfinals won't be easy for Swiatek, who awaits the winner of the match between the 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu and the Czech teenage sensation Linda Noskova.
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