“I think we have too many tournaments in the season. I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to rest a little bit more,” Iga Swiatek’s candid comments about the demanding tennis schedule last year hit home for many. With a packed calendar stretching from January to November, players often struggle to find time for relaxation. Yet, it seems Iga has found a way to make the most of her downtime now. After advancing past Linda Noskova to secure her spot in the R16 of the ongoing Madrid Masters, she engaged herself with one of her favorite activities: reading books.

Iga Swiatek, the defending champion and 2023 finalist in Madrid, secured a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 victory over Noskova to reach the last 16. The Polish star, who is still chasing her first title in 2025, extended her unbeaten run to eight wins at the Madrid Open. Although she had to dig deep to overcome teenager Alexandra Eala in the previous round, Swiatek played more fluently against Noskova, clinching victory in just 1 hour and 17 minutes.

Post-match, the Pole discussed her planned use of downtime during the tournament, citing the impact of her last year’s Madrid Open opponent, Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, whom Swiatek defeated in the quarterfinals.

In the post-match interview, when she was asked how she was going to use her leisure time in Madrid, the World No. 2 said, “Well, I am figuring it out because it’s the first time I am staying in a different place. So I got to get to know the area, and yeah, but for sure if the weather is nice, I’m gonna spend some time outside and chill. I have a new book that Bia Haddad Maia recommended. It’s always a good recommendation. So I trust it’s gonna be nice. It’s gonna be a good time tomorrow.”

Iga Swiatek’s love for books is no secret; she’s often shared her passion for reading, both during tournaments and in her off-season. Back in 2022, at the French Open, Swiatek even contributed as a BBC Sport columnist, where she opened up about how books enrich her game. “Reading is one of my biggest passions away from the tennis court; it’s a big factor in keeping me relaxed and focused on the main goal of winning matches and playing good tennis,” she wrote.

For the Pole, reading isn’t just a pastime, it’s a key element for her mental peace. Despite her love for physical books, the 5-time GS winner has adapted to her traveling lifestyle by using a Kindle. She once shared her dilemma, saying, “I love the feel of a paper book on my fingers but I do use a Kindle as well. For many years, I was like ‘no, I should read actual books rather than the electronic versions’. But then with all the travelling, it got too hard to actually carry so many books.” With constant travel on the tour, the Kindle became a practical solution, it seems.

While Iga has planned to use her downtime well, she also remains focused on adding another clay-court title to his kitty.

“I just kept being focused,” Iga Swiatek opens up after making her way to the Madrid Open R16

Iga Swiatek has had an impressive run at the Madrid Masters, registering 15 wins in 17 matches, which ties her with Serena Williams for the fewest matches to reach 15 wins at the event since its inception. Despite being in the middle of a season that’s yet to see her claim a title, the Pole has shown her dominance on clay courts. Her victory over 20-year-old Czech Linda Noskova marked another flawless performance, where Swiatek served four aces, avoided double faults, and saved 3 of the 4 break points she faced, while converting all four break opportunities she earned. This clinical performance demonstrated her ability to control the game on clay.

While Swiatek’s season has had its challenges, the clay court always brings out the best in her. With the highest win percentage (89.7%) in WTA 1000 events on clay, the Polish star is clearly at home on this surface. She’s now one win away from securing a spot in the Madrid QFs, and her confidence is soaring. After her victory against Noskova, Swiatek shared her thoughts on how she controlled the match, further fueling expectations of her continued dominance on clay.

“Every match that [Noskova and I] played was really with high intensity, and really good quality. I knew it’s going to be a challenge, but I just kept being focused on myself. And we kind of know each other’s game. … I’m happy that I was more solid at the end,” the Pole said.

Next up for the 23-year-old is Diana Shnaider, who has been in outstanding form herself. Do you think Swiatek will continue her strong run and ease into the Madrid QFs with another strong performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!