Iga Swiatek's memorable victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final was a landmark achievement in her career.
Swiatek defeated Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 after three hours and 11 minutes of pulsating tennis to lift her first title in the Spanish capital. It was the one big title on the European clay that was missing in the Pole's trophy cabinet.
It was Swiatek's eighth crown on the dirt, solidifying her status as the best woman on the surface among the current generation. It was her 20th career title overall, making the 22-year-old the first tennis player, male or female, born in the 2000s to win 20 titles.
Swiatek, who was born in 2001 and is due to celebrate her 23rd birthday at the end of May, is also the youngest player to reach 20 titles since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012.
With nine WTA 1000 titles to her name (from 29 appearances), Swiatek ranks jointly in second place among active women for titles won in this category since it was incepted in 2009.
The Polish star has carved out a fine career that is, interestingly, still at an early stage. Her 30th match win of another incredible season, which is at the halfway point, will strengthen her bid to win Roland Garros for the fourth time.
Only recently, Swiatek entered the Top 10 of the all-time list of WTA players who have recorded the most weeks at No. 1. She has since surpassed Lindsay Davenport to take her spot in ninth place and on the heels of her historic week in Madrid, she looks certain to go even higher.
The Warsaw native has now tied Elena Rybakina for the most titles this year (3) and is the top-earning WTA player this season despite her disappointing start at the Australian Open. Swiatek's next assignment will be in Rome, where she is seeking to win her third title at the Italian Open.
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