It has been four years since the last meeting between Swiatek and Pera. The three-set affair saw 31 games as both stars fought tooth and nail for the win. Their gas tank has increased since then, Swiatek enjoying her time as the world number 1 while Pera is ranked 32 in the world, a career-high for the Zadar-born American.
Given Iga’s current form, she should cruise to a victory but not without a challenge from Pera. Expect a closely contested affair, one that sees more than 17.5 games, a shortfall from their last outing but one that showcases their current playing levels.
2-1 to Iga Swiatek
It is difficult to see past Swiatek in this duel and the bookmakers have her as an overwhelming favourite in this meeting. She should triumph against Pera but not without pushback from the American ace. The 32-ranked star has given a good account of her abilities, making it to the Round 3 of the Charleston Open where Daria Kasatkina ousted her with the help of a tie-breaker.
In her last meeting with Swiatek, she used her powerful groundstrokes to shave off a set. Karolina Pliskova extended the match to three sets against Swiatek and with a similar playing style, Pera should do so too.
Iga Swiatek vs Bernarda Pera Preview
Our predictions for this match have now been established, let’s see how these players have fared so far in this tournament.
Iga Swiatek
The 2023 calendar year has been a good one for Iga Swiatek, who continues her reign at the top of women’s tennis. She triumphed in Doha and Stuttgart and also went long in Dubai and Indian Wells. After a fourth-round ousting in Australian Open, the reigning French Open winner is gearing up for a repeat at Rolland Garros. In five matches on the red surface, she has yet to show signs of letting up, triumphing on each occasion. She had to withdraw from the last edition of the Madrid Open, her run of 23 wins in succession taking a toll on her body. As it stands, Swiatek is going on all cylinders and is on course to add to her trophy cabinet in the Spanish capital.
Bernarda Pera
Pera, who has been steadily improving on the tour, will aim to use her aggressive play to unsettle her Polish rival and cause an upset in what promises to be an exciting encounter. The American is known for her aggressive playing style and powerful groundstrokes. She is currently at her career-high singles ranking of world number 32 after a series of impressive performances on the tour. Pera started the season with a quarter-final finish in WTA Hobart and has made it to Round 3 in Indian Wells, Charleston Open and will be achieving that feat with a win over Swiatek.
Iga Swiatek vs Bernarda Pera Head to Head
This is the second meeting between Iga Swiatek and Bernarda Pera on the WTP tour. The Polish star had to see out three sets to triumph against Pera in their meeting in 2019 and would be wanting a more clinical outing this time around. When will this match start? This match starts not before 10:00 GMT on 30 April.
What is the prize money for Madrid Open? WTA Madrid Open’s total prize money stands at €7,705,780.
Where can I watch Madrid Open 2023 in the UK? This match will be available on Amazon Prime for fans in the United Kingdom
17/06/19 Iga Swiatek won 2-1 (WTA Birmingham, Grass)
Iga Swiatek vs Bernarda Pera Match Details
Iga SWIATEK
