MIAMI, FL – In a stunning upset at the Miami Open on Thursday, world No. 3 Iga Świątek suffered a second-round defeat at the hands of her fellow Polish player, Magda Linette. Linette rallied from a set down to win 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, ending Świątek’s remarkable streak of 73 consecutive opening-match victories. The match, played at the Hard Rock Stadium, marks a significant low point in what has been a challenging start to the 2026 season for the six-time Grand Slam champion.
The first set was dominated by Świątek, who showcased impressive serving and took it 6-1. However, Linette, ranked No. 50 in the world, mounted a spirited comeback in the second, breaking Świątek’s serve and forcing a deciding third set. Linette continued her momentum, securing an early break in the third to lead 5-2. While Świątek managed to save two match points, Linette ultimately closed out the match on her fourth opportunity, delivering a major shock to the tournament.
Świątek, visibly frustrated after the match, acknowledged her tactical shortcomings. “I stopped doing things well tactically. It was a very bad match for me in the second and third sets,” she said, according to reports. “Consciously or unconsciously, it’s difficult to say for me. I need to work to come back after this, because I haven’t felt this in the last five years.” The defeat raises questions about Świątek’s form and mental state as she navigates a season that hasn’t yet reached the heights expected of the former world No. 1.
The loss to Linette is particularly notable as it represents Świątek’s first opening-match defeat since 2021, at the WTA Finals. This streak of 73 consecutive wins underscored her dominance in the early rounds of tournaments, making Thursday’s result all the more surprising. The defeat also exacerbates a broader trend of inconsistent results for Świątek in 2026; she has yet to reach a quarterfinal in any tournament this year.
Świątek’s struggles come after hiring Belgian coach Wim Fissette at the end of the 2024 season, a move intended to revitalize her game. While she achieved a highlight with a Wimbledon title last summer, finding the right balance between patient baseline play and aggressive shot-making under pressure has proven elusive. Reports indicate a sometimes-strained dynamic with her team, including long-term psychologist Daria Abramowicz, particularly following a quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells last week.
Beyond Świątek’s upset, Thursday’s action in Miami also saw the return of veteran Venus Williams, at age 45. Williams displayed competitive spirit but ultimately fell to Britain’s Francesca Jones in a close match, 7-5, 7-5.
Filipina Alexandra Eala also advanced to the third round, demonstrating resilience in a three-hour and 20-minute battle against Germany’s Laura Siegemund, winning 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-3. Eala, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy, showcased her determination in a grueling contest.
Russian Mirra Andreeva also faced a challenge, overcoming McCartney Kessler 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-1 in a nearly two-hour match. Kessler pushed Andreeva to a deciding set, highlighting the competitive depth of the Miami Open field.
This result for Świątek is a significant setback as she attempts to regain the form that made her a dominant force in women’s tennis. The defeat raises questions about her ability to handle pressure and adapt her game when facing determined opponents. For Linette, the victory represents a career-high achievement and a testament to her growing confidence on the WTA Tour.
Świątek will now have time to regroup and prepare for the upcoming clay court season, where she will look to defend her title at the French Open. The Miami Open continues with second-round matches on Friday, featuring several other top players vying for a place in the quarterfinals.
What’s next: Iga Świątek is expected to return to training and prepare for the European clay court swing, beginning with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart in April. Her performance in the coming months will be closely watched as she aims to rediscover her championship form.
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