Poland’s Iga Swiatek delivered a masterclass in perseverance, rallying past Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 in the Australian Open third round to book her Round of 16 berth.
On Margaret Court Arena, the world No. 2 controlled the first set effortlessly, her double break paving a 24-minute demolition. Kalinskaya, however, ignited in the second, exploiting Swiatek’s serve lapses to force a decider.
A medical timeout for lower back pain tested Swiatek’s mettle, but she emerged unbreakable. Seizing control with ferocious returns, she claimed six unanswered games in the third set.
Kalinskaya dug deep, denying three break points, yet Swiatek’s precision prevailed in 1:44 total. This marks her sixth fourth-round entry at Melbourne, where she’s 25-7 lifetime.
With 107 Grand Slam victories to 21 defeats, the six-time major winner targets a career Slam via her first AO trophy. Opponent Madison Keys, the final Aussie qualifier standing, awaits.
Swiatek’s Melbourne march continues, blending power, heart, and tactical brilliance.