Elina Svitolina continues her perfect start to the 2025 clay-court season, having not lost a single set on the surface yet this year.
The Ukrainian, seeded No. 17, extended her remarkable clay streak with an impressive 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kazakhstan`s Elena Rybakina, the No. 10 seed, during their third-round encounter at the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday evening.
Svitolina secured the win in 1 hour and 24 minutes against Rybakina, a semifinalist in Madrid last year. This result brings their career head-to-head record level at 3-3, with Svitolina now holding a 2-1 lead on clay courts.
Here are some key statistics from the match:
1: This marks the first time Svitolina has reached the Round of 16 in Madrid. Despite her strong credentials on clay, including two WTA 1000 titles in Rome, her record in Madrid was previously a below-par 5-9. She had lost five consecutive matches at this event before her two wins this year.
9: Svitolina`s 9-0 start to the 2025 clay season may be turning her Madrid fortunes around. Her wins include two Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier matches and the recent Rouen title, which was her seventh clay-court title and 18th WTA title overall. It`s her first title in nearly two years, since winning Strasbourg in 2023. Including the BJK Cup ties, these nine consecutive wins represent Svitolina`s longest winning streak on any surface since 2021.
2: Svitolina faced her first and only break points of the match during a crucial game at 6-3, 4-3. Rybakina earned two chances with powerful forehands, but Svitolina calmly saved both – the first with a backhand in the rally, and the second with an unreturnable serve. She successfully held serve throughout the entire match.
48: Rybakina hit more winners (24) compared to Svitolina`s 10, but the former Wimbledon champion committed 48 unforced errors, exactly double her winner count, which proved costly.
1-6: Following Sunday`s match, Rybakina`s record against Top 20 players in 2025 stands at 1-6. Her only win against a player ranked in the Top 20 this year was against Paula Badosa in Dubai. Rybakina is currently ranked World No. 11, marking her first week outside the Top 10 since January 2023.
3: Madrid has been a strong tournament for Ukrainian players this year, with three reaching the Round of 16. Svitolina is joined by fellow Ukrainians Marta Kostyuk (seeded No. 24) and qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second week.
2-2: In the next round, Svitolina, a former World No. 3, will face Greece`s Maria Sakkari. Sakkari also reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 and advanced by defeating No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini earlier on Sunday. Their head-to-head record is tied at 2-2, and this upcoming match will be their first meeting on clay.
