Iga Swiatek Embraces Clay-Court Challenge As Stuttgart Kicks Off European Swing

Poland talks to the media on Day 1 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Porsche Arena on April 14, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany

Clay-court specialist Iga Swiatek said competing at the WTA 500 event in Stuttgart will be a challenge but feels she is in the right place to play her game.

The April 14-21 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart will mark the start of the European clay-court season and precedes three high-tier European tournaments – the WTA 1000 events in Madrid and Rome, and the clay-court Grand Slam, Roland Garros.

Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, boasts the best winning percentage on clay and is looking forward to the Stuttgart Open.

“It’s still a challenge because it’s not like I come to play [on clay] and everything is perfect suddenly,” second seed Swiatek said at Stuttgart Media Day on Monday. “We play on a hard court most of the year, so coming to clay court I still need some time to adjust to.

“But for sure I feel like I’m in the right place. With a good amount of work and focus, quickly I’m going to be able to start playing my game.”

The Pole, who has averaged two titles a year since she began playing them in 2020, will begin her campaign in Stuttgart with a Round of 16 clash on Wednesday. Her opponent is yet to be decided.

So far in 2025, Swiatek has enjoyed a good run, though she is yet to win a title. Among the six events she has played in, the 23-year-old has reached one final, three semifinals and two quarterfinals. She is fourth in the Race to the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Swiatek also holds an impressive record in Stuttgart, winning titles in 2022 and 2023, and reaching the semifinals last year – where she lost to Elena Rybakina, the eventual champion.

“For sure I’m proud of my achievements here,” Swiatek added. “It’s good to come back and feel these nice memories, but it doesn’t change what’s going to happen in the future. So got to focus on that.”
Who Will Be Iga Swiatek’s Competitors In Stuttgart?

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2025 – Previews

during practice ahead of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Porsche Arena on April 12, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)Less

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Alongside Swiatek, the other high-profile players who will play in Stuttgart are World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and American third and fourth seeds – Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.

Sabalenka heads to Stuttgart following her triumph at the Miami Open, her second title of 2025.

The Belarusian, known for her powerful groundstrokes and strong serve, reached the finals last year in Madrid and Rome, losing to Swiatek both times. She is also a three-time finalist in Stuttgart.

Asked if she will win a clay title this year, Sabalenka said: “I wish I could just say, `Yeah, yeah, I’m going to win. And that’s all going to happen.’ I don’t know, but I can definitely make sure I bring my best high spirit there.”

Pegula, coming off the first clay title of her career in Charleston, said she feels fresh and ready this time, having missed some clay-court tournaments last year due to a rib injury.

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“I’m like, ‘Oh, I feel good, I feel ready to go,’ so I might as well take advantage of that,” said Pegula, this year’s WTA match-win leader with 25 victories.

“Luckily it’s been paying off with lots of matches. I think that’s just what happens when you’re doing well, you’re playing more. That’s always a good problem to have.”

Russian teen Mirra Andreeva, who stunned Sabalenka to lift the Indian Wells title last month, will play in Stuttgart for the first time. She will be the sixth seed.