Victoria Azarenka vs Iga Swiatek – WTA Bad Homburg

🎾 WTA Bad Homburg – Round of 16 Preview

Victoria Azarenka vs Iga Swiatek

Swiatek returns to grass with a tricky test against veteran Azarenka, who’s finally showing signs of life in 2025.

🧠 Form & Context

Victoria Azarenka
⚔️ Battled through qualifying and crushed Siegemund 6-2, 6-2 in R1 without facing break points.
🧊 Snapped a long slump—first win streak since US Open 2024 after 9 early exits in a row.
🌱 Solid grass résumé (62–27), QF here in 2021; nine total wins in 2025.
🛠️ Return quality and backhand remain elite, but can be overpowered by top-tier hitters.

Iga Swiatek
📉 Currently No. 8—lowest since early 2022; no titles in over 12 months.
⏳ Still limited on grass (8 prior main-draw matches, 1–1 at Wimbledon).
💪 Reached Bad Homburg SF last year, and carries a 32–10 2025 record into this match.
🧠 Dominates H2H vs Azarenka 4–1, including a 6–0, 6–2 rout in Dubai this season.

🔍 Match Breakdown

• Rally Control: Azarenka needs to use angled backhands and redirect pace; Swiatek will press with heavy topspin and early forehand aggression.
• Serve Pressure: Iga’s first-serve % can drop—Vika must attack the second delivery to stay close.
• Surface Factor: Swiatek hasn’t played on grass yet in 2025, while Azarenka has four matches already—could matter in early games.
• Mental Edge: Swiatek’s dominance in the matchup has kept Vika on the defensive—despite her grass experience.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Swiatek in 3 sets (6–3, 4–6, 6–2)
Azarenka may use her rhythm and experience to pinch a set, but Swiatek’s overall form, H2H dominance, and baseline control should see her through—even if it takes three.

📊 Tale of the Tape

• 2025 Record: Swiatek 32–10 • Azarenka 9–10
• Grass Record (Career): Swiatek 6–3 • Azarenka 62–27
• H2H: Swiatek leads 4–1