World number two Iga Świątek extended her winning streak at the Madrid Open to eight matches, defeating Linda Nosková to secure a place in the last 16.
The defending champion and 2023 finalist, still seeking her first title of the year, claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory over the Czech player, who had famously upset her at the 2024 Australian Open.
Świątek, 23, had to battle hard to overcome teenage sensation Alexandra Eala from the Philippines in the previous round, but looked far more comfortable this time, wrapping up the win in just one hour and 17 minutes.
Next up, the Pole faces 13th seed Diana Shnaider of Russia, who produced a dominant display by not dropping a single game against Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova.
Meanwhile, American stars Coco Gauff and Madison Keys also advanced to the last 16 with straight-set wins.
Fourth seed Gauff defeated fellow American Ann Li 6-2, 6-3, while fifth seed and Australian Open champion Keys edged past Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).
