Iga Swiatek gives insight into her confidence level ahead of Emma Navarro clash at Australian Open after history of 'struggle' at tournament

Iga Swiatek has booked her spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals after a gap of three years. The Pole had made early exits at the tournament's last two editions but was near-flawless in her 6-0, 6-1 fourth-round win over Eva Lys.

Notably, Swiatek had spoken about underperforming at the season's opening Slam in the lead-up. She had noted at the time that she was looking to avoid a hattrick of fourth-round exits.

On being asked about breaking the dubious streak during her post-match press conference, Swiatek in a light-hearted moment noted that she had in fact made a mistake with the stats. The Pole corrected herself, saying she had in fact lost in the third round last year so there was no question of a hattrick at all.

"Actually, it was third because last year, I was, I mean, I made a mistake because I lost in the third round last year," Iga Swiatek said. "I thought it was at least a bit better [this year]."

On a more serious note, Swiatek spoke about her past struggles at the Australian Open, saying this year was the first time that things were going smoothly for her.

The five-time Grand Slam champion went on to add that she felt the work she had put in to help her game succeed Down Under during the off-season was showing positive results.

"There is for sure [a level of satisfaction] and, you know, also not only about the result itself but also how I feel, you know, because it was always a struggle here," Iga Swiatek said.

"So, this year, it's much more smooth," she continued. "I feel like, you know, the work that I'm putting on the court is actually working on matches as well. Hopefully it's gonna stay like that. So just the whole process is much better, I would say."

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Iga Swiatek books Australian Open QF spot after three-year gap

Iga Swiatek in action during the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

Iga Swiatek's run at the last two editions of the Australian Open had come to end early end at the hands of big-hitting players. While she lost in the fourth round to Elena Rybakina in 2023, Linda Noskova stopped her charge in the third round last year.

Looking to make amends this year, the Pole has come into the tournament with new-found focus. She has made adjustments to her serve and it has reflected in the results as she has only been broken twice in four matches.

Swiatek has beaten Katerina Siniakova, Rebecca Sramkova, Emma Raducanu and Eva Lys en-route to the quarterfinals. She will take on eighth seed Emma Navarro next.