Based on what Iga Swiatek displayed in the opening rounds of the Australian Open, there was always a lingering sense that completing the career Grand Slam in Melbourne might be a step too far this year. While the Polish star progressed through the early stages of the tournament, her performances lacked the authority and consistency that have defined her dominance on other surfaces.
That uncertainty was ultimately confirmed in the quarter-finals, where Swiatek’s hopes of a clean sweep of major titles were brought to an end by Elena Rybakina. The fifth-seeded Kazakh delivered a composed and powerful display, winning 7-5, 6-1 to secure her place in the semi-finals and underline her growing reputation as one of the most dangerous players on fast courts.
Swiatek arrived in Melbourne as the reigning Wimbledon champion and one of the favourites for the title, but her campaign was undermined by ongoing issues with her serve. Throughout the tournament, her service games proved unusually fragile. Statistically, she won fewer games on serve than any other quarter-finalist and was broken more times than anyone else, matched only by Coco Gauff.
Those numbers painted a worrying picture for a player who usually builds pressure through consistency and relentless point construction. In Melbourne, however, Swiatek was frequently forced onto the defensive, struggling to impose her rhythm and control matches as effectively as she does on slower courts.
The serve has been a particular area of concern. During the off-season, Swiatek made adjustments to her service motion in an attempt to gain more efficiency and power. While technical changes often take time to settle, the Australian Open exposed how vulnerable that part of her game remains, especially against opponents willing to attack early and take risks.
Historically, Swiatek has found conditions in Melbourne challenging. The faster hard courts do not naturally suit her heavy topspin game, and she has often struggled when faced with players who hit flat, powerful shots and rush her for time. This pattern resurfaced once again in her clash with Rybakina.
Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion herself, is widely regarded as one of the cleanest ball-strikers on the women’s tour. Her aggressive baseline game, combined with a strong serve, makes her particularly effective on quicker surfaces. Against Swiatek, she was clinical, stepping inside the baseline and dictating rallies from the outset.
The first set was competitive, with Swiatek fighting hard to stay level. However, Rybakina’s superior serving and fearless shot-making proved decisive in the key moments. After edging the opening set 7-5, the momentum shifted decisively in her favour.
In the second set, Rybakina raised her level even further, while Swiatek struggled to find answers. Breaks of serve came quickly, and the Polish second seed appeared increasingly frustrated as errors crept into her game. The set slipped away 6-1, ending Swiatek’s Australian Open run in emphatic fashion.
Speaking after the match, Swiatek was candid in her assessment of her performance and her broader struggles in Melbourne.
“There are definitely things I need to work on,” she admitted. “Playing on these courts has never been completely comfortable for me. They are fast, and it’s never been flawless.”
Her comments reflected an awareness that, while she remains one of the most accomplished players of her generation, further adaptation is needed to consistently succeed in Australia. Unlike Roland Garros, where she has dominated, or Wimbledon, where she recently claimed the title, Melbourne continues to pose unique challenges.
For Rybakina, the victory was another statement of intent. Already proven on the biggest stages, she once again demonstrated her ability to dismantle top opponents when conditions suit her strengths. Her calm demeanour and ruthless efficiency against Swiatek highlighted why she is regarded as a major threat whenever she finds form.
Swiatek’s exit does not diminish her achievements, but it does underline the fine margins at the elite level of women’s tennis. Even the world’s best players are vulnerable when small weaknesses are exposed by opponents with the confidence and weapons to exploit them.
As the season progresses, Swiatek will likely view this defeat as a learning experience. Refining her serve, adjusting tactics for faster courts, and finding ways to neutralise aggressive players will be central to her ambitions of completing the career Grand Slam in the future.
For now, Melbourne remains the missing piece of the puzzle. While her talent and work ethic suggest she will eventually conquer the Australian Open, this year served as a reminder that success there is far from guaranteed.
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