Iga Swiatek survived a tough encounter against Madison Keys, suffering a bagel on the clay courts of the Madrid Open. However, she managed to recover to secure the victory 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 and guarantee her spot in the semifinals of the tournament, where she is the defending champion.
With this, the world No. 2 once again achieved a victory over a top-10 player, reaching an incredible record of 49-20 (71%). This surpasses Serena Williams (70.9%) as the second player with the best win rate against top-10 players, only behind the 22-time Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf.
Read also
The German, leader of the table, amassed a total of 208 wins against top-10 players and 63 losses (75% win rate) between 1984 and 1999. In the case of Serena Williams, she achieved 178 wins and 72 losses between 1997 and 2022, precisely in the tournament where she retired: the US Open, defeating world No. 2 Annet Kontaveit in the second round.
Further down the list is the 9-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles with 135 wins against top-10 players in 220 matches (61.5%), while Justine Henin achieved a record of 86-56 (60.6%).
Swiatek will play her 20th WTA 1000 semifinal appearance (record 12-7 so far). The victory against Keys is already Swiatek's 5th win against top-10 players this season. Her only loss was in the United Cup at the beginning of the season against Coco Gauff, while she has already defeated Elena Rybakina (United Cup and Qatar Open), Emma Navarro (Australian Open), and Zheng Qinwen (Indian Wells) this year.
Swiatek will face Coco Gauff in the semifinals, against whom she has a favorable head-to-head record of 11-3 (5-0 on clay courts). However, the American has begun to reverse the unfavorable record, winning their last two direct encounters. This is a good chance for Swiatek to reach the Madrid final again and try to pursue her first title of the season.
71.0 - Since 1990, Iga Swiatek (71.0%, 49-20) has now surpassed Serena Williams (70.9%) for the second-highest win rate against WTA top 10 opponents, now only trailing Steffi Graf (75.0%) – minimum 10 matches. Wow.#MMOPEN @MutuaMadridOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/O8fHAI4EqS
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) April 30, 2025
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
