MADRID: The last two women’s French Open champions will meet at the Madrid Open after Ashleigh Barty and Iga Swiatek both made it through to the third round on Saturday.

World number one Barty survived a scare to beat Tamara Zidansek 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 before Poland’s Swiatek saw off Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-3 to set up an intriguing clash on Monday at the Caja Magica.

Three-time Madrid champion Petra Kvitova also advanced after she beat Angelique Kerber 6-4, 7-5 in another battle of Grand Slam winners.

Also, Ons Jabeur came from behind to beat Sloane Stephens 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Anastasija Sevastova defeated Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-3, while Veronika Kudermetova beat Kiki Bertens 6-4, 6-3, and Paula Badosa fought back to eliminate Jil Teichmann 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2021