- Iga Swiatek began her Madrid Open campaign with a decisive 6-1 6-2 victory over Ukraine's Daria Snigur, following a recent coaching change and a training block at Rafael Nadal's academy.
- Swiatek has appointed Francisco Roig, who previously worked with Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu, as her new coach, and is focusing on refining her service motion, which showed positive results in her opening match.
- The Polish player, a long-time admirer of Rafael Nadal, spent time at his Majorca academy where she received coaching advice from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, finding his willingness to offer guidance reassuring.
- Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also progressed to the third round, defeating Peyton Stearns 7-5 6-3 in her first clay-court match of the season, acknowledging she felt a little rusty after a break from competition.
- Swiatek also voiced her surprise and disappointment at the news that Portia Archer has stepped down as WTA chief executive, praising Archer's open-minded approach and her willingness to engage with players.
IN FULL