Magda Linette of Poland defeated former champion Iga Świątek in the second round of the Miami Open on Thursday night, ending Świątek’s 73-match winning streak in opening rounds, according to reports from the tournament.
The match unfolded in a surprising turn of events after Świątek dominated the first set, winning 6-1. Linette, ranked No. 50 in the world, battled back to seize the second set 7-5, and ultimately secured the victory with a 6-3 win in the deciding set.
The loss marks Świątek’s first opening-round defeat since the 2021 WTA Finals, a streak spanning multiple tournaments and seasons. “I stopped doing anything well tactically,” Świątek said after the match, as reported by WTA Tennis. “It just was a bad match for me in the second and third sets. Unconsciously, or consciously, it’s hard for me to say. I need to work to get back from that, given that I haven’t felt things like that for like five years.”
Linette’s victory comes after she also came from a set down in her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva, demonstrating a resilience throughout the early stages of the tournament. She will next face Alexandra Eala of the Philippines.
The all-Polish contest concluded with a display of sportsmanship, as the two players shared a brief embrace at the net following the match. Linette, speaking to Canal+ after the win, emphasized her respect for Świątek. “Iga plays incredibly uncomfortable tennis for me, she is an uncomfortable opponent,” Linette said. “I improved my game, I was able to get out of my comfort zone. I wouldn’t make a big deal out of it, why would I? I’m happy that I won against someone I have so much respect for and her achievements.”
Świątek and Linette had previously met once in competition, at the 2023 tournament in Beijing, where Świątek emerged victorious. In that match, Linette managed to win only two games.
The Miami Open continues with Jakub Mensik defending his title in the men’s draw, and Aryna Sabalenka defending her championship in the women’s draw.
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