Anna Kalinskaya Pushes Iga Swiatek to the Limit at Australian Open

Iga Swiatek navigated a rollercoaster of a match to defeat Anna Kalinskaya in a captivating three-set encounter at the Australian Open third round. The No. 2 seed ultimately prevailed 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 in a match lasting 1 hour and 44 minutes, showcasing both her resilience and Kalinskaya’s formidable talent.

This victory marks Swiatek’s 21st appearance in the second week of a major tournament, and her sixth time reaching this stage at the Australian Open. She will now face Maddison Inglis, the last remaining Australian in the draw, who advanced due to Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal with a left abdominal injury.

A Match of Contrasting Momentum

The match was characterized by dramatic swings in momentum. In each set, the player who gained an early advantage quickly extended their lead. Swiatek dominated the first set with exceptional serving, winning 17 out of 20 points on her serve. Kalinskaya, however, struggled with backhand errors, leading to a swift 24-minute set.

Kalinskaya rebounded strongly in the second set after receiving treatment during a medical timeout. She found her rhythm, hitting 10 winners compared to just three in the first set. A crucial hold for 4-1, saving three break points, proved pivotal in securing the set 6-1.

Swiatek regained control in the deciding set, displaying renewed intensity. She raced to a 5-0 lead, facing no break points. Despite Kalinskaya’s determined effort to prolong the match, Swiatek sealed the victory with a powerful forehand winner on match point.

Swiatek Acknowledges Kalinskaya’s Threat

Swiatek wasn’t surprised by the challenge posed by Kalinskaya, acknowledging her opponent’s potential. “It’s not surprising for me because I know that Anna can play amazing tennis,” Swiatek stated. “On the other hand she’s risking a lot, so at the same time she might start playing out. I just wanted to be there when I have a chance, when I have a slower ball, to still be proactive and put pressure on her.”

Kalinskaya has previously proven to be a difficult opponent for Swiatek, having defeated her in the 2024 Dubai semifinals and pushing her to a tight contest at the 2023 US Open. Her aggressive playing style and recent performances against Jessica Pegula and Victoria Mboko highlighted her capabilities.

This match at the Australian Open was a testament to Kalinskaya’s skill and determination, and a demonstration of Swiatek’s ability to overcome adversity and secure a hard-fought victory. You can find more information about the Australian Open scores and draws on the WTA official website.