Gauff Stuns Swiatek with Dominant Madrid Semifinal Win

(The Post News)-Reigning champion Iga Swiatek’s Madrid Open title defence came to an abrupt end on Thursday as Coco Gauff dismantled the world No 2 in just 64 minutes, winning 6-1, 6-1 to reach the final.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion known for her prowess on clay, was left searching for answers after failing to earn a single break point and losing serve five times. The 23-year-old had already shown vulnerability earlier in the tournament, dropping sets to Alexandra Eala and Diana Shnaider, and suffering a 6-0 set loss to Madison Keys in just 24 minutes the day before.

Despite rallying to beat Keys, Swiatek couldn’t find rhythm against the fourth-ranked Gauff, who registered her first win over the Pole on clay and her third in a row across all surfaces.

“I couldn’t really get my level up,” admitted Swiatek post-match. “Coco played good, but I didn’t move well. Everything kind of collapsed.”

Gauff, 21, broke Swiatek three times in the opening set and twice more in the second, sealing the result with a hold to love. She also fired seven aces compared to Swiatek’s one in a dominant performance.

“I felt great out here today,” said Gauff, who had scraped past Dayana Yastremska in the first round before notching three straight-sets wins en route to the semi-final. “I think if I can beat her on hard courts, I can beat her on clay too.”

Gauff had previously beaten Swiatek at the 2025 United Cup and 2024 WTA Finals, both on hard courts. This victory confirms her growing confidence on all surfaces.

Swiatek will now turn her focus to the Italian Open as her final preparation before attempting to defend her French Open crown later in May.

Meanwhile, last year’s Madrid runner-up Aryna Sabalenka was set to face Elina Svitolina in the other semifinal later on Thursday.