Iga Swiatek boasts an impressive clay court record, winning 89 out of 100 matches. She holds five Grand Slam titles, with four of them at Roland Garros, and leads active players in clay court win percentage.
Swiatek`s clay season begins in Stuttgart at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, a surface that enhances her strengths. Her movement, footwork, and powerful top-spin forehand are particularly effective on clay.
Despite her clay success, Swiatek acknowledges the need for adjustment after playing on hard courts most of the year. She stated at Stuttgart Media Day that she needs some to adapt to clay but feels she is in the right place with focus and work to play her best game.
The WTA 500 Stuttgart is followed by major clay tournaments in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros. Swiatek has a history of winning approximately two clay titles per year since 2020, securing 10 out of 20 titles.
Breaking down the top seeds in Stuttgart
Here`s a look at insights from the top players in Stuttgart:
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka: After reaching the finals in Madrid and Rome last year, losing to Swiatek both , Sabalenka aims for a clay title this year. She expressed her desire to win but acknowledged uncertainty, focusing on bringing her best spirit to the court.
Key stats: Sabalenka enjoys clay and had a 15-4 record on this surface last year. She reached three Stuttgart finals consecutively from 2021-2023 but is still seeking her first title there.
No. 2 Iga Swiatek: Swiatek has had a strong start to 2025, including four wins at the United Cup. She has consistently reached the later stages of tournaments this year and is currently fourth in the Race to the WTA Finals.
Key stats: Swiatek won Stuttgart in 2022 and 2023, defeating Sabalenka in both finals. Her perfect Stuttgart record ended with a semifinal loss to Elena Rybakina last year.
Swiatek expressed pride in her Stuttgart achievements and positive memories but emphasized focusing on the future.
No. 3 Jessica Pegula: Following her first clay title in Charleston, Pegula feels confident entering the clay season. Missing last year`s clay swing due to injury, she feels fresh and ready this year. She has had past success in Madrid, reaching the final in 2022 and quarterfinals in 2023.
Pegula feels ready to take advantage of her good condition and is pleased with the increased match play that comes with success.
Key stats: Pegula leads the WTA in match wins this year with 25, including two titles, two wins ahead of Sabalenka.
No. 4 Coco Gauff: Gauff`s defensive play makes her competitive on clay. She reached the semifinals at Rome and Roland Garros last year, losing to Swiatek.
Key stats: Gauff had a 12-4 clay record last season. Her best clay season was in 2021 with a 16-4 record, reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros.
No. 5 Jasmine Paolini: After early exits in WTA 1000 events, Paolini broke through in Miami, becoming the first Italian woman to reach the semifinals. She aims to continue this form into the clay season.
Key stats: Paolini had a 12-5 clay record last year, with half her wins at Roland Garros where she reached her first Grand Slam final. She is among three Italian women to reach Roland Garros finals in the past 15 years.
No. 6 Mirra Andreeva: Andreeva is playing Stuttgart for the first but gained prominence in Madrid reaching the fourth round at 15. She reached the 2024 Roland Garros semifinals.
Andreeva faces her sister Erika in the first round in Stuttgart. Despite the unusual matchup, Andreeva plans to approach it professionally as any other match.
Key stats: The 17-year-old has a strong .733 win rate on clay. She aims to continue her hard-court success where she won WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, becoming the youngest top 10 player since 2007.
….And one more to watch
Laura Siegemund: Siegemund is a top doubles player, ranked No. 4 last year, and a former Top 30 singles player, with Stuttgart being a key to her success.
Stuttgart is Siegemund`s best singles tournament, winning in 2017 and reaching the final in 2016, with a 14-6 main draw record. Her best Grand Slam singles result was also on clay at the 2020 Roland Garros quarterfinals.
Siegemund will play Jule Niemeier in the first round. All five German players in the tournament are in the same quarter.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth