Iga Swiatek’s steady start: Downs Caroline Garcia to move into Miami Open third round

Friday, 21 March 2025 at 19:03

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek overcame a tough challenge from Caroline Garcia, winning in straight sets (6-2, 7-5) to move into the third round of the Miami Open. Making her tournament debut this year, Swiatek earned her 10th victory in four appearances, with her best result coming in 2022 when she claimed the title.

Facing Garcia, the former WTA Finals champion whom she defeated just weeks ago in Indian Wells — dropping only two games — the Polish star found herself in a tighter contest this time. Yet, Garcia’s improved performance wasn’t enough to derail Swiatek’s game.

Swiatek storms through Garcia in opening set

At the start of the match, Swiatek came out firing, quickly securing two consecutive breaks. The 5-time Grand Slam champion won 16 of the first 18 points, making it look like another rout against the Frenchwoman. The former world No. 1 take the lead by 4-0.

Garcia began finding her rhythm on serve and managed to fend off another break point, narrowing the gap. However, Swiatek remained flawless when it mattered most, winning 84% of her service points compared to Garcia’s 43%. After missing a couple of set points on her serve, Swiatek eventually closed out the set 6-2 — the same score as their clash two weeks ago at Tennis Paradise.

Garcia pushes back, but Swiatek closes in style

The second set began with Garcia serving in a tightly contested game that stretched to 14 points, eventually going Swiatek’s way as she secured an early break. However, the world No. 74 immediately dropped her serve in the following game. Even so, she regained the advantage and moved ahead 3-1 during a shaky stretch for the Pole on serve.

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Still, Swiatek remained sharp on return, breaking back to level the set. With Garcia leading 5-4, she earned a break opportunity — which also meant a set point — but couldn’t capitalise. Under pressure in the very next game, Garcia couldn’t hold her serve, allowing Swiatek to grab a fifth break of the match before closing out the victory on her serve, 6-2, 7-5.

In the third round, Swiatek will face either local hope Peyton Stearns or 27th seed Elise Mertens

Match Statistics Garcia vs. Swiatek

Garcia	VS	Swiatek
	Service
2	Aces	8
1	Double Faults	1
66% (45/68)	1st Service Percentage	61% (35/57)
51% (23/45)	1st Service Points Won	69% (24/35)
39% (9/23)	2nd Service Points Won	68% (15/22)
38% (3/8)	Break Points Saved	60% (3/5)
50% (5/10)	Service Games	80% (8/10)
	Return
31% (11/35)	1st Return Points Won	49% (22/45)
32% (7/22)	2nd Return Points Won	61% (14/23)
-	Break Points Saved	-
	Other
1h 36m	Match Duration	1h 36m

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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