Iga Swiatek’s Gritty Comeback After Rare Bagel Shocks Madrid Open
In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2 and defending champion, faced an unfamiliar foe: a 6-0 set loss, known in tennis as a “bagel.” For the first time in nearly four years, the Polish superstar, renowned for dishing out bagels to opponents, found herself on the receiving end, courtesy of American Madison Keys in their semi-final clash. Yet, Swiatek’s resilience shone through as she battled back to win 0-6, 6-3, 6-2, securing her place in the final. In a candid post-match interview, Swiatek opened up about the humbling experience, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a champion who turned adversity into triumph.
The match began with a jolt. Keys, the No. 19 seed, unleashed a barrage of forehands that left Swiatek reeling. In just 24 minutes, the American claimed the first set 6-0, breaking Swiatek’s serve three times and winning a mere nine points. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for Swiatek, who hadn’t been bageled since Daria Kasatkina’s 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 victory at the 2021 Eastbourne International. “Well… not good,” Swiatek admitted with a wry smile when asked how it felt to be bageled. “At least it’s fast. That’s the only positive thing. But staying on a court and having 0-6 is weird.” Her honesty captured the surreal nature of the setback, especially for a player nicknamed “Iga’s Bakery” for her 40.6% career rate of 6-0 or 6-1 sets through May 2024.
Swiatek’s first-set struggles were stark. Her serve, typically a weapon, faltered, and her movement appeared hesitant, a contrast to her usual fluid court coverage. “It was one of the weirdest matches I’ve played,” she later reflected, acknowledging Keys’ aggressive play. The American’s forehand dominated, and Swiatek’s unforced errors—22 of the 35 points she lost to Alexandra Eala in her opening match—resurfaced. Yet, the Pole’s mental fortitude, honed through years of working with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz, kicked in. “I’m just going to try to focus on the right things,” Swiatek had said in 2022 about her bagel streak, a philosophy she applied here. She reset, tightening her groundstrokes and rediscovering her topspin-heavy forehand to level the match in the second set 6-3.
The deciding set showcased Swiatek’s championship pedigree. Trailing early, she broke Keys’ serve and surged to a 6-2 victory, capitalizing on the American’s 39 unforced errors. The comeback mirrored her 3-0 clay record in matches where she lost the first set 6-0, a testament to her ability to adapt under pressure. “I’m super proud I was able to handle myself in such a difficult situation,” Swiatek said, echoing her relief after surviving a match point against Naomi Osaka at the 2024 French Open. Her performance against Keys avenged a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) loss in the 2025 Australian Open semi-finals, where Keys’ power had similarly tested her.
Swiatek’s Madrid run has been a rollercoaster. After a first-round bye, she rallied past Eala 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, then dominated Linda Noskova and Diana Shnaider, though her second-set tiebreak loss to Shnaider (6-0, 6-7[5], 6-3) hinted at inconsistency. Her 28-7 record in 2025, including titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome last year, underscores her clay dominance, but this season’s seven losses—five in finals or to defending champions—reveal challenges. “Clay season is the time to start making more of a judgement on Świątek’s form,” noted a tennis analyst, given her four French Open titles.
The bagel sparked chatter among fans. “Iga Swiatek got bageled. Yes, she got bageled by Madison Keys on clay. Extraordinary,” posted a user on X, highlighting the rarity of the event. Swiatek, who leads the WTA with 33 bagels since 2022, took it in stride. “I don’t really think about that [finishing sets 6-0]. It’s more I feel the media is doing all that fuss,” she told Eurosport in 2023, a sentiment that applies to her own defeat. Her focus now shifts to the final against either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina, with an 11-3 head-to-head edge over Gauff.
As Swiatek prepares for Rome and a potential fifth French Open crown, her Madrid resilience signals a player evolving under new coach Wim Fissette. “I’m fortunate enough to have partnerships that fit me,” she said, crediting her team and sponsors like Lancôme and Rolex. The bagel, while a shock, is a mere footnote in her storied career—a reminder that even the best can falter, but champions like Swiatek always find a way to rise.