Iga Swiatek enters Melbourne Park with the Australian Open title as the only missing piece in her Grand Slam collection. However, the world number two is focused on improving her game rather than setting
specific targets for the new season.
The 24-year-old Pole has claimed major titles on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, the clay of Paris, and the grass of Wimbledon. Nevertheless, she has yet to reach the final of the year’s first Grand Slam, having been eliminated in the semi-finals twice.
“For now, I’m not setting results goals,” she stated last month.
“I am focusing on developing technically and in terms of my tennis game itself.”
Known for her determination and intensity on tour, Swiatek, a former world number one, had to reassess her approach after failing to secure a semi-final spot at the season-ending WTA Finals for the second consecutive year in November. She has discussed the physical and mental toll of the demanding tour schedule, expressing in Beijing in September that the season was too long and intense.
Just before Christmas, Swiatek shared that she felt rejuvenated after spending more time at home than usual. She has also worked with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz, often crediting her for shaping her preparation and routines, and publicly defended their collaboration amid questions about their partnership.
“I hope the preparation period will mean that in the new season I will play well, solidly, and that I will learn something new,” said Swiatek, who suffered a heartbreaking semi-final loss to eventual champion Madison Keys last year in Australia.
After enjoying the tranquillity of Poland, Swiatek will face the intensity of the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, beginning on January 18 and culminating in crowning a women’s champion after two challenging weeks of summer heat.
The disappointment of a 3-6 6-0 6-3 loss to Swiss Belinda Bencic in the final of the United Cup on a similarly fast Sydney surface on Sunday was mitigated by Poland’s ultimate victory in the tournament.
“I’m still here, nothing crazy happened,” Swiatek reassured her fans. “Everything is fine, just super sore. I guess, first tournament of the year it costs everybody a bit differently than during the season.”
The Australian Open features 11 Grand Slam champions with top seed Aryna Sabalenka among the title favourites. Swiatek will have little time to ease back into elite competition mode.
While Swiatek might avoid discussing it, she could complete the career Grand Slam if she wins the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. The claycourt specialist has secured four of her majors at Roland Garros and demonstrated versatility by winning on the hard courts of the U.S. Open in 2022.
Her 6-0 6-0 thrashing of Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final last July showcased her adaptability, and it would not be surprising if she finally masters the Melbourne Park surface this time around.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
