Iga Swiatek advances to Miami Open fourth round after historic win
Miami, FL – March 23, 2025 – Iga Swiatek continues to cement her legacy in women’s tennis, reaching another milestone at the 2025 Miami Open. The former world No. 1 fought through a challenging first set before dominating the second to defeat Elise Mertens 7-6 (2), 6-1, securing her place in the round of 16.
What makes this victory even more special is the historic achievement that came with it—Swiatek is now the first player in history to reach the round of 16 in 25 consecutive WTA 1000 events, a feat unmatched since the category was introduced in 2009. The accomplishment is a testament to her unwavering consistency, elite-level performance, and ability to maintain top form across multiple seasons.
A Hard-Fought Battle Against Mertens
Swiatek, the three-time Grand Slam champion, faced a tricky challenge in the opening set against Mertens, who pushed the Polish star to a tiebreak. Swiatek’s serve was not at its best early on, but she managed to stay composed and outplayed her opponent in the crucial moments.
“I’m happy that I kept my focus,” Swiatek said after the match. “I knew in the first set my serve wasn’t working perfectly, but I’m glad that I was patient enough to work for it. In the second set, I felt much better.”
Once she found her rhythm, there was little Mertens could do to stop her. Swiatek stormed through the second set, using her trademark aggressive baseline game and precision to close out the match in style.
Loving the Miami Atmosphere
Returning to Miami was extra special for Swiatek, as she missed the tournament in 2023. This time around, she is determined to make the most of her experience:
“I love playing here. I missed playing in Miami two years ago, so I want to enjoy every moment and not take it for granted.”
She also acknowledged the quality of competition, adding:
“Today’s match was nice because we had some tight moments, and I was able to play well through them. I’m pretty proud and looking forward to the next one.”
Swiatek’s Slow Start to 2025 – Can Miami Turn Things Around?
Despite her dominance on the tour, Swiatek has yet to win a title in 2025. This marks the first time since 2020 that she has gone 10 weeks into a season without lifting a trophy. For a player of her caliber, this is unfamiliar territory. However, she remains optimistic and focused, knowing that her form and work ethic will eventually pay off.
As she progresses deeper into the Miami Open, Swiatek will look to capitalize on her momentum and finally secure her first title of the year. Given her track record of stepping up in big moments, it would be unwise to bet against her.
Her next challenge will be in the round of 16, where she will face a formidable opponent. But if history has shown anything, it’s that when Iga Swiatek finds her groove, she is nearly unstoppable.