Caroline Garcia Advances to Face Swiatek in Miami After Resilient Comeback

Miami, Florida – French tennis player Caroline Garcia overcame a challenging first-round match against Hungary’s Anna Bondar at the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami on March 19, 2025, securing a 6-0, 7-6 victory.

This win allows Garcia, ranked 74th in the world, to face World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the next round, marking their second meeting in less than a month. Garcia looks to avenge a previous loss to Swiatek in the second round of the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells earlier this month, where she fell 6-2, 6-0.

After a four-month break in competition, Garcia, 31, expressed feeling the pressure of her performance. “I’ve struggled to regain my form since my return, but I’m determined to get back on track,” she said post-match. The match against Bondar initially seemed one-sided, with Garcia taking the first set 6-0 in just 25 minutes.

However, the second set proved much tougher as Garcia faced difficulties on her serve, allowing Bondar to break her twice. Despite these setbacks, Garcia demonstrated resilience, clawing back each time to force a tiebreak, which she won 7-5 on her first match point.

Garcia’s compatriot Varvara Gracheva, currently France’s top player at 65th in the world, did not share the same fortune. She was eliminated in the first round on March 18, losing to American Alycia Parks in a three-set battle.

The matchup against Swiatek is particularly significant, as it will provide Garcia with an opportunity to turn the tables after experiencing disappointment earlier this month. This tournament marks Garcia’s comeback efforts following a long period of injuries and inconsistent results.