NewKerala.com

Swiatek Storms Into Australian Open QF, Eyes Career Grand Slam

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek delivered a commanding performance to defeat Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3, advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals. The victory marks her 14th career Grand Slam quarterfinal and her third at Melbourne Park. She now sets up a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against fifth seed Elena Rybakina, who leads their Australian Open head-to-head. Swiatek, a six-time major champion, is now just three match wins away from completing a career Grand Slam.

Key Points: Iga Swiatek Reaches Australian Open Quarterfinals

  • Straight-sets victory over qualifier
  • Reaches 14th career Grand Slam QF
  • Sets up clash with Elena Rybakina
  • Three wins from career Grand Slam
  • Dominant performance on Rod Laver Arena
2 min read

Aus Open: Swiatek eliminates Inglis to reach 14th career Grand Slam QF

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek defeats Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3 to reach her 14th Grand Slam quarterfinal. She next faces Elena Rybakina.

Aus Open: Swiatek eliminates Inglis to reach 14th career Grand Slam QF
"Swiatek's clinical shot-making shone through at crucial moments. - Match Report"

Melbourne, Jan 26

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek defeated qualifier Maddison Inglis on Monday and reached her 14th career Grand Slam quarterfinal and third at the Australian Open. The second seed dropped just three games in her 6-0, 6-3 win.

This was the first time that Swiatek has played an Aussie at the Australian Open. She has faced Inglis on her home turf before, though, winning 6-1, 6-2 in the 2021 Adelaide second round en route to her first hard-court title.

Swiatek broke serve to claim the opening set 6-0, delivering a dominant performance on Rod Laver Arena. Despite Inglis showing flashes of resistance with powerful serves and winning some early points, the second-seed Pole's baseline power proved overwhelming.

The game featured several extended rallies, including an 11-shot exchange where Swiatek's aggressive groundstrokes forced Inglis into errors. Inglis fought hard, winning spectacular points through effective serving and court positioning, but Swiatek's clinical shot-making shone through at crucial moments. The Polish star sealed the set with a spectacular backhand overhead winner from a defensive position, showcasing her exceptional athleticism.

Serving for the match for the second time, the second seed dropped no points in a dominant display. She constructed each point efficiently, finishing with aggressive forehands. After losing the opening set 6-0, Inglis showed tremendous fighting spirit in the second set but ultimately couldn't overcome Swiatek's superior power and consistency. Swiatek holds serve to love, clinching the second set 6-3 and winning the match in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Swiatek set up a quarterfinal clash against No. 5 seed Elena Rybakina. Swiatek leads their head-to-head 6-5, but Rybakina won their only previous Australian Open meeting 6-4, 6-4 in the 2023 fourth round.

A six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, who has won the French Open four times, plus Wimbledon and the US Open once each, is just three wins away from completing a career Grand Slam.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Full credit to Inglis for her fighting spirit in the second set. Playing a world no. 2 in front of your home crowd must be immense pressure. But Swiatek is just on another level. Her backhand winner to seal the first set was pure class. The quarterfinal against Rybakina will be a blockbuster!
A
Aman W
It's amazing to see an athlete so close to a Career Grand Slam. Just the Australian Open left! She's only 22? Unreal talent. Makes you wonder if any Indian player, male or female, will ever get close to that kind of achievement in our lifetimes. The system needs to change.
S
Sarah B
While Swiatek was brilliant, I feel the article focuses too much on the dominance and not enough on Inglis's effort. She's a qualifier who fought hard and won some great points. The narrative is always about the superstar, but the journey of the underdog is equally inspiring.
K
Karthik V
The stats are mind-blowing. 14th Grand Slam QF already! Her game is so complete. As a coach myself, I try to show my students videos of her footwork and balance. It's textbook. Hope she completes the Career Slam here in Melbourne. Would be a historic moment for tennis.
N
Nikhil C
The next match vs Rybakina is the real test. Rybakina has the game to trouble Swiatek, especially with that big serve. Head-to-head is close. May the best player win! Waking up at 5 AM IST to watch these matches is totally worth it. 😅

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50