World number one Swiatek sees off Xiyu in Madrid opener

World number one Iga Swiatek overcame Wang Xiyu with the minimum of fuss on Thursday to progress to the third round of the Madrid Open.

Swiatek has yet to win the title in Madrid, which is the only clay-court European event at which the Pole has not triumphed, but she got off to a flying start with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Xiyu.

"I love this place. I got to know the city a little better last year," Swiatek said. "So this time I feel more comfortable around."

Next up for the 22-year-old is a third-round tie against 27th seed Sorana Cirstea on Saturday.

150 - Since 2022, Iga Swiatek has registered her 150th win in WTA events; Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff are the next best with 108 wins (excluding BJK Cup and team events). Gap. #MMOPEN | @MutuaMadridOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/vWq738TJP0
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) April 25, 2024

Data Debrief

Swiatek has registered 150 match wins on the WTA Tour since the start of 2022. Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff are the next best with 108 wins each.

She also became the first player born this century to claim 50 combined match wins in Madrid, Rome and Roland-Garros, since the inaugural women's singles event at the Madrid Open in 2009.