The defeat marked Świątek’s first opening-match loss at a tournament since the 2021 WTA Finals, ending a run of 73 straight wins in her first match of an event. Świątek, who won the Miami title in 2022, took the opening set comfortably but lost control of the match as Linette raised her level in the second and third sets. Afterward, the Polish star said her tactical game had unraveled in the last two sets and admitted she had not felt this confused about her tennis in years. The loss adds to questions over Świątek’s recent form following quarterfinal exits at the Australian Open, Doha and Indian Wells.