‘Pretty bad’ Swiatek thrashed by Gauff as Sabalenka returns to Madrid final

World number one Aryna Sabalenka celebrates her win against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. PHOTO: AFP

UPDATED May 02, 2025, 06:32 AM

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MADRID - Reigning champion Iga Swiatek suffered a crushing 6-1, 6-1 semi-final defeat by Coco Gauff on May 1, with the American to face world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the Madrid Open title.

The second-ranked Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam winner, dropped serve five times against Gauff as the Pole fell in 64 minutes.

Swiatek, usually excellent on clay, has struggled during her Madrid title defence.

She dropped sets against Alexandra Eala and Diana Shnaider, and then was dealt a bagel by Madison Keys in just 24 minutes on April 30.

However, the 23-year-old bounced back strongly to defeat the American, but came undone against Keys’ compatriot Gauff, who beat Swiatek for the first time on the red dirt.

With this latest loss, Swiatek has only the upcoming Italian Open to help her get back to winning ways before she defends her French Open title later in May – her 2024 triumph at Roland Garros was the last trophy the former world number one lifted.