Iga Swiatek needed just 75 minutes to dismantle Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, securing a 6-1, 6-4 victory that keeps her quest for a maiden Madrid Open title firmly on track.
The world number one dominated the opening set, conceding only three points on her first serve. Rakhimova, currently ranked 91st, struggled to find any rhythm against the Pole’s heavy topspin, managing to hold serve only once before the set slipped away.
The second set offered more resistance. Rakhimova found her footing, trading breaks with Swiatek and forcing the top seed to work for her openings. At 4-4, the pressure finally told. Swiatek forced a critical break, then served out the match with clinical precision to book her spot in the round of 32.
Madrid remains a distinct challenge for Swiatek. While she has conquered Roland Garros three times, the high altitude of the Caja Mágica often makes the ball fly faster than she prefers. Friday’s performance, however, suggested she is adjusting to the conditions better than in previous years.
She wasn’t flawless. Swiatek committed 19 unforced errors, a number she’ll likely want to trim as the tournament field narrows. Yet, her ability to dictate play from the baseline ensured Rakhimova never truly threatened an upset.
Next up for Swiatek is Sorana Cirstea or Alexandra Eala. Whoever emerges from that match faces a tall order: Swiatek is currently on a collision course with the top of the draw, and her form on European clay remains the benchmark for the rest of the tour.
For now, the top seed is through, leaving little doubt that she is the woman to beat in the Spanish capital.
