Iga’s Bagel Brigade: Keys Joins the Elite Few

Iga Swiatek, the dominant force in women’s tennis, is known for her impressive “bagel” sets (6-0). However, even the best can sometimes find themselves on the receiving end. Madison Keys recently added her name to the short list of players who have bageled Iga Swiatek on the WTA Tour. Let’s look at this achievement and the other players who have managed this feat.

What Does “Bagel” Mean in Tennis?

In tennis, a “bagel” refers to winning a set with a score of 6-0. The term is used because the shape of the zero resembles a bagel. Bagels are often indicative of a dominant performance. Iga Swiatek has dished out plenty of these to her opponents. Many have started to use the term “Iga’s Bakery” to describe this. During the 2023 season, she won a bagel set in 29% of her matches, compared to an average of 11.4% of matches in which she wasn’t playing.

Madison Keys’ Recent Form and Australian Open Victory

Madison Keys is an American professional tennis player who has been ranked as high as world No. 5 in singles by the WTA. She turned professional on her 14th birthday. Keys has been enjoying a career resurgence, highlighted by her victory at the 2025 Australian Open. In the semifinals, Keys upset world No. 2 Iga Świątek in three sets, coming from a set down and saving a match point to reach the second major final of her career. In the final, Keys defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win her first major title and return to her career-high ranking of world No. 7.

Keys is known for her aggressive playing style, featuring a fast serve and powerful forehand. She has reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams at least once in her career. According to the WTA’s official website, Keys has won over $19,018,583 in prize money as of January 2025, with nine WTA singles titles.

The Exclusive Club: Women Who Have Bageled Swiatek

While Iga Swiatek is known for delivering bagels, she has also been on the receiving end a few times. Here are the players who have managed to win a set 6-0 against her on the WTA Tour:

1. Madison Keys: (2025) Most recently, Madison Keys bageled Iga Swiatek at the Madrid Open. This is their third encounter on clay, following the Madrid Open semifinals and the Rome Open quarterfinals in 2024.
2. [Other Players]: Research is still ongoing to identify all the other players who have achieved this feat, and this article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Swiatek’s Perspective on “Bagels”

Iga Swiatek has expressed that she wants to remain respectful to her opponents. She understands that while the term “Iga’s Bakery” is fun for fans, it might not be easy for players on the receiving end of such a scoreline. “I don’t want to talk about the bakery. Twitter can talk about it, but I’m just going to be focused on tennis.”

Keys Aims to Replicate Australian Open Success Against Swiatek

Madison Keys aims to use her Australian Open experience to upset Iga Swiatek in their upcoming Madrid Open quarterfinal match. The last time Madison Keys beat Iga Swiatek, she became a Grand Slam champion for the first time in her career. In their sixth match, Keys registered her second victory over Swiatek.

Iga Swiatek holds a 4-2 head-to-head record over Madison Keys and will be meeting the American on clay for the third time. Swiatek will definitely be the favorite to win in this year’s Madrid Open quarterfinal.

Conclusion

Madison Keys’ recent achievement adds her to a select group of players who have bageled Iga Swiatek on the WTA Tour. This accomplishment highlights Keys’ current form and her ability to challenge even the most dominant players. As tennis continues to evolve, these moments of surprise and triumph remind us of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the incredible talent of its athletes.