Iga Swiatek lays down marker to win Porsche Grand Prix

Iga Swiatek defeated Aryna Sabalenka for the second time in a row and thus won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.

After a brief hiatus to heal a rib problem, the world no.

It was a close fight throughout, but Swiatek was rock solid in the big moments, saving the only break point she faced.

A break to make it 5-3 in the opening set gave the Pole the lead and she broke Sabalenka again to start the second set before confidently holding her way to the finish line.

It was a second title this season for Swiatek, who has lost her lead at the top of the rankings, and she said at the on-pitch ceremony: “I’m so excited. You could see that after the match point.

“Congratulations Aryna for everything, you’ve had such a great season. I’m really happy that we’re so consistent and we can play so many great games together because I think the fans are enjoying it.”

Swiatek held up her trophy before driving her real prize, a new Porsche, across the field.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka couldn’t hide her disappointment after losing in the final for the third straight year – she was beaten by Ashleigh Barty in 2021.

After congratulating Swiatek, the Belarusian said: “Can we make a deal that if I reach another final, I’ll just get an extra car? I really enjoy playing here – not so much at the moment because I lost in a third final, it hurts. But it’s a great tournament. I will keep coming back until I have the car.”