ESPN: Iga Swiatek’s five outstanding achievements that broke Steffi Graf’s record.

At the 2025 Madrid Open, Iga Swiatek lost badly to Madison Keys in the opening set, but she rallied to maintain her title defense.

At La Caja Magica, the world No. 2 overcame Keys 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the WTA 1000 competition quarterfinals.

The world No. 5 and current Australian Open winner Keys became the first player to bagel Swiatek on clay since 2019, dropping only nine games in an incredible opening set.

To get retribution after losing to the 30-year-old American in a thrilling Australian Open semifinal in January, Swiatek broke Keys twice in the second and third sets.

Swiatek was questioned during her on-court interview: “Over the past few years, you’ve been giving away a lot of bagels.” For once, how was it to have to be on the other side?

“Well, not good,” was the Polish star’s response. Well, at least it’s quick (laughs). The only bright spot is that. But it’s definitely strange to remain on a court with a score of 0–6.

In the Madrid semifinals, the five-time Grand Slam winner will take against Coco Gauff.

Following Swiatek’s victory against Keys, here are five fascinating facts.

Copying Steffi Graf with an uncommon accomplishment
After dropping an early set 0–6 at a WTA event on clay, Swiatek became just the second player in the past four decades to defeat a player in the top five.

The only other woman to do so is Steffi Graf, who overcame Arantxa Sanchez Vicario 0-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the French Open semifinals in 1992.

surpassing Serena Williams’ victory percentage in comparison to the top ten
Swiatek currently has the second-highest victory % against top-10 opponents in WTA Tour history after defeating fifth-ranked Keys.

With her most recent victory, she now has an incredible 49-20 (71%), better than Serena Williams’ 70.9% record versus the top 10. Graf is the only one with a higher victory rate (75%), compared to the top 10.