It was a clash that promised to enthral all who watched, and it certainly lived up to the billing, going the distance and only decided by a third-set breaker.
There was nothing to separate them throughout, and the mental battle that went on between the two was arguably as impressive as the physical toll such an arduous match incurred.
But, in the end it was Swiatek who came out on top to claim her first-ever Madrid Open title.
Iga Świątek reflects on Madrid Open title win
Speaking after her triumph in Madrid, the 22-year-old sought to run reporters through her ever-changing mindset in what was an intense, gruelling encounter against the number two player in the world.
She even referenced Rafael Nadal as one of those key inspirations, revealing that his heroics in Melbourne, winning the 2022 Australian Open against all the odds, helped her to rediscover her best form.
She noted: ‘For most of the match, I was really trying to loosen up a little bit more. I felt like I can play better because I played better here on my past matches.
‘Actually, felt like I need to dig through for these two hours and it didn’t really work. I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, am I going to feel a little bit more loose soon?’ It didn’t really happen, and then after two hours, it did. I was surprised by that.
‘Honestly, one thing that came through my mind was actually that I think Rafa had couple of matches like that. Guys have three sets, so they may have a little bit more time on Grand Slams to do that.
