World number two Iga Swiatek’s ironclad consistency shone bright at the Australian Open as she dismantled Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-3, storming into the third round of her 24th successive Grand Slam. This achievement cements her as the sole player in Open Era annals to reach this stage in the first 24 majors of a decade.
From the baseline, Swiatek was a force of nature on John Cain Arena’s court. Her aggressive strokes, peaking at 140 km/h, left Bouzkova scrambling defensively. An early break set the tone for a swift 6-2 first set.
Confidence surged post the opener, allowing Swiatek to serve with poise. Overcoming a shaky start with an early error, she imposed her will, though Bouzkova’s resilience shone in saving match points. A decisive 9-shot rally forehand sealed the deal.
Monday’s result also marked Swiatek’s 25th straight Grand Slam second-round qualification, echoing Svetlana Kuznetsova’s run from 2006-12. Her only recent third-round miss? A 2019 US Open defeat to Sevastova.
Upsets peppered the day: Oksana Selekhmeteva toppled Paula Badosa – last year’s semifinalist – for her first Top 30 scalp, earning a Grand Slam third-round debut against No. 6 Jessica Pegula.
Home crowd favorite Madison Inglis clawed through a 3-hour-20-minute war with Laura Siegemund, winning 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(7). These results inject fresh drama into the women’s draw as third-round fireworks loom.