Iga Swiatek took aim at the scheduling at the Madrid Open after losing a thrilling three-set final to Aryna Sabalenka. The world No 1 finished her round-of-16 match at 1am and was playing until midnight again in the semi-final. And it was Sabalenka who was able to defeat the top seed 6-3 3-6 6-3 on Saturday.
Sabalenka was able to get revenge over Swiatek in Madrid, defeating her to win the title two weeks after the world No 1 beat her in the championship match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The Pole was playing the Madrid Open for the first time in two years and appeared to take issue with some of the scheduling decisions she faced.
“I want to thank you guys for coming and enjoying tennis with us. I really saw Madrid from a different side this year, last time I was here it was in Covid. It’s a really beautiful city and it’s a pleasure to play in front of you guys,” the 21-year-old said before turning her attention to the downside of her time at the tournament.
She added: “It’s not fun to play at 1am though but I’m happy anyway that I was able to get past this experience and survive and be in the final.”
