Świątek Battles Mertens in Miami WTA Clash

MIAMI, Florida — Iga Świątek faces Elise Mertens in a crucial third-round match at the WTA 1000 tournament on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m. ET. As the second-ranked player in the world, Świątek is a favorite to advance, but Mertens, ranked 28th, is determined to disrupt her plan after a strong performance in the previous round.

The Polish star, who received a first-round bye, defeated France’s Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-4 in her opening match in Miami. Mertens, on the other hand, showcased her skills by sweeping American Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-1. Both players are entering this match with high stakes, as each seeks to gain momentum in the tournament.

“Every match here presents a new challenge, and I’m prepared for whatever comes my way,” Świątek said in a pre-match interview. “Elise is a strong competitor, but I’m focused on my game.”

In their only previous encounter at the 2024 Stuttgart Open, Świątek won decisively with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This sets the stage for their rematch, where expectations are high for another thrilling performance. Świątek is vying for vital ranking points as she aims to reclaim the top spot in women’s tennis by the summer, likely post-Wimbledon.

The intensity of the Miami Open is palpable, with a crowd expected to rally behind Świątek. Mertens, known for her accomplishments in doubles – including victory in four Grand Slam events – will not shy away from competing fiercely against the Polish player.

“I have my goals for this tournament, and I’m not going to back down,” Mertens stated earlier this week. “I know I have the skills to challenge Iga. It’s about execution on the day.”

The winner of this match will progress to the fourth round, likely facing the victor of the match between Karolína Muchová and Elina Svitolina. Fans can follow the match live through various sports channels, including Canal+ Sport 2, and online streaming platforms.