Swiatek Advances Without Too Many Issues In Miami, Badosa Overcomes Injury
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Iga Swiatek didn't have too many issues in her third-round match at the 2025 Miami Open. On the other hand, Paula Badosa had to overcome an injury issue.
Swiatek is the second seed at the WTA 1000 event in Miami, and she's one of the top favorites to win. She confirmed her favorite status with a confident second-round win over Caroline Garcia. In the third round, her opponent was Elise Mertens who is a very dangerous player.
The Polish player beat Mertens last year in Stuttgart, but every match brings a unique set of challenges, and the World No. 2 had to be on top of her game if she wanted to succeed again, especially after showing some frustration during her loss in Indian Wells.
Swiatek managed to do that, and she handled this match really well, even though she was pushed by her opponent. The Pole had a 2-0 and then 5-2 lead in the first set, but on both occasions, she lost her one-break lead.
That's why the first set of the match had to be decided in a tie-break. The Polish player lost her serve to start the tie-break, but since then, she won seven out of the eight points played, winning the tie-break 7-2.
With the first set in her pocket, Swiatek then controlled the second set of this match. She held her serve without too many issues, and she broke Mertens' three times. Thanks to that, the second seed won the match 7-6(2), 6-1, reaching the fourth round in Miami.
Swiatek's next opponent will be the 22nd-seeded Elina Svitolina, and the Pole was naturally happy after the win. She admitted that Miami is one of her favorite places.
"I love playing here. I missed playing here in 2023. I want to enjoy every day here and not take it for granted. I’m ready to work hard to stay as long as possible. Today’s match was nice. 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."
On the other hand, Paula Badosa didn't have too many reasons to smile after her match, and it wasn't because of her performance. The 10th-seeded Spaniard took on Clara Tauson, who has been one of the best players in 2025.
Badosa won the first set of the match 6-3, but in the second set, she started struggling with her lower back, which has been bothering her for a long time. It's a chronic injury that will likely never stop bothering the Spaniard.
For the entirety of the second set, it seemed that any time Badosa would fall behind by a break or lose the second set, she would likely retire from the match. But that never happened.
The former WTA World No. 2 player fought for every single ball despite being clearly hurt. She ultimately won the match 6-3, 7-6(3), to reach the next round in Miami.
