Iga Swiatek has signed up to compete at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, the tournament has announced. Swiatek, 21, made her debut on the clay courts of Stuttgart this year. In her Stuttgart debut, Swiatek made it all the way after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
“I loved the atmosphere in Stuttgart last year and am looking forward to this one. I especially appreciate tournaments so close to Poland because my fans can support me on-site and it makes the atmosphere even better; so, I’m happy confirm I’m going to play there in 2023,” Swiatek said in her statement.
Winning Stuttgart was just the start for Swiatek
After winning Stuttgart in her first clay tournament of the year, Swiatek also claimed titles at the French Open and a WTA 1000 tournament in Rome. In 2023, Swiatek will be hoping to defend her Stuttgart title and kick off her clay season on the best possible way.
“The fact that Iga will also be coming to the 2023 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is a fantastic compliment for the tournament. I’m so pleased for our spectators. In confirming, she’s basically saying that she felt very much at home in Stuttgart.
Her return also shows that the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and its traditionally strong draw is exactly the right sporting challenge that a top player like Iga loves, and it’s one that she wants to take on,” Stuttgart tournament director Markus Gunthardt said.
In 2022, Swiatek was absolutely dominant on clay. After winning three titles in as many tournaments played during the clay season, Swiatek returned to the clay surface after Wimbledon. On the clay courts of Warsaw, Swiatek made the quarterfinal before suffering a shock defeat to Caroline Garcia.
For Swiatek, that was her first and lone loss on clay in 2022. Swiatek is a dominant force on clay and she will likely have another big clay season in 2023.
