Iga Swiatek took a step closer to a maiden Australian Open title as she earned a commanding victory over Emma Navarro in their quarterfinal match at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, January 22. Between the Pole and the final is Madison Keys, an opponent Swiatek holds in high regard.
Swiatek, the second seed, beat her American opponent 6-1, 6-2 to progress to the Melbourne Slam’s semifinals for the first time in three years. The five-time Grand Slam champion will next face another American, Keys, in the last four. The two are familiar with each other’s games, having locked horns five times on the Tour.
Iga Swiatek has a clear advantage going into the contest as she has won four out of those five contests against Madison Keys. She said during the on-court interview moments after beating Emma Navarro:
"Well, honestly, Madison is a great player and really experienced, so you never know. The match that I lost, she kinda killed me, so I think it can go…it can be tricky. I'll be just focused on myself.
"She already played great tournaments here, so we're all aware of how she can play, but I think I'll prepare us before any other match. It doesn't matter if it's the first round, doesn't matter if it's semis. I just want to bring my game and my intensity, and I'll be happy anyway."
The loss Swiatek referred to came in 2022 at the Cincinnati Open. The Pole was the top seed at the tournament but was ousted 3-6, 4-6 by Keys. However, Swiatek was the winner in their two matches last year. She beat Keys 6-1, 6-3 at the Madrid Open and then bagged a 6-1, 6-3 win in Rome.
Iga Swiatek praises Emma Navarro after Australian Open quarterfinal win
Iga Swiatek, coming back from a doping suspension, was in brilliant form against Emma Navarro and set the tone for the match early on by breaking serve in the first game. She broke Navarro twice more to pocket the opening set 6-1 and while the American put up a stiff fight in the second, Swiatek proved too strong for her.
Swiatek said about her match against Navarro:
"I think it was much tougher than the score says. Emma is a fighter, so I knew she was not going to pull back. I wanted to stay focused till the end and keep my intensity. I'm happy that I won this, you know, tight games and I think this is what made the difference. I'm really happy with the tournament overall, and being in a semis is great so I'll push for more."
Iga Swiatek has five Grand Slams to her name, but the Australian Open title is missing from her impressive trophy cabinet. She is now two wins away from realizing that dream.