World number two Iga Swiatek stormed into her second Australian Open semi-final on Wednesday with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over eighth-seeded Emma Navarro. Swiatek’s relentless performance at Rod Laver Arena reaffirmed her status as a top contender for the title, though the match wasn’t without controversy.
Match Highlights
- Dominant Start: Swiatek overwhelmed Navarro from the outset, taking the first set 6-1 with precision and aggression.
- Controversial Moment: In the second set’s fifth game, Swiatek retrieved a drop shot that appeared to bounce twice on replays before she hit it. The chair umpire allowed play to continue, and Swiatek won the point and the game, leaving Navarro visibly frustrated.
- Clinical Finish: Swiatek closed out the match after a brief resistance from Navarro, sealing her place in the semi-finals on her second match point.
Swiatek’s Reaction
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Swiatek acknowledged Navarro’s challenge:
“It was much tougher than the score shows,” Swiatek said post-match.
Looking ahead, she anticipated a difficult semi-final against Madison Keys, whom she holds a 4-1 head-to-head record against:
“Madison is a great player and really experienced. You never know—it can be tricky,” she added.
The Road Ahead
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has conceded just 14 games in her five matches at Melbourne Park, underlining her formidable form. She faces Keys, who earlier defeated Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, as the American seeks her first Grand Slam final since 2017.
Meanwhile, the top half of the women’s draw features defending champion Aryna Sabalenka facing Paula Badosa in the other semi-final.
With her relentless momentum and clinical execution, Swiatek appears to be in pole position for her maiden Australian Open title.
