Iga Swiatek has given herself a second chance. The Pole is back in the Mutua Madrid Open final one year on as she vies to avenge the defeat there to Aryna Sabalenka (2023). On Thursday, the world No.1 raced to victory over Madison Keys (6-1, 6-3), with the kind of dominance she has produced all tournament.

“It was a pretty clean performance and really solid game from myself. I’m happy with everything. I feel pretty confident. Yeah, it’s a great place to be, honestly. I’m happy that hard work pays off”, she said no sooner had the match concluded.

The top seed has reached Saturday’s title bout in the Manolo Santana Stadium having dropped just one set and 20 games in her six matches. In short, Swiatek is on a mission in the Caja Magica.

The Warsaw-born 22-year-old required just one hour and 10 minutes to see off the American with 7 winners, few unforced errors (8) and some clinical play that won her four out of her five chances to break Keys’ service.

“I won’t celebrate like crazy. Tomorrow will be my day off and I will go to some parks, read a book and try to relax before the final”, she said of her preparations for the decider.

Her opponent on Saturday will be the victor of the clash between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. Swiatek will be bidding for her third WTA 1000 title of the season, after those she picked up in Doha and Indian Wells, and her ninth in total.

“I’m happy that we can play a final against, like, the top players basically. Whoever is going to win the second semifinal are going to play in the final, because it shows consistency. For sure it’s going to be a challenge, whoever it’s gonna be, and a tough match. I will be ready. I will focus on myself and we’ll see”, she concluded.