In a rollercoaster encounter at the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek outlasted Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 to advance to the last 16, keeping her career Grand Slam dreams alive.
Played under the lights at Margaret Court Arena, the 104-minute battle saw Swiatek assert early dominance. Her serve was a weapon in the first set, breaking Kalinskaya twice for a swift 6-1 win.
The Russian fought back fiercely in set two, breaking Swiatek thrice amid a flurry of errors from the world No. 2. Trailing in the match, Swiatek took a medical break for back discomfort before exploding in the third.
She broke early, then held firm, reeling off five consecutive games to stun her opponent. Kalinskaya mounted a late resistance, saving break points, but Swiatek’s composure clinched it.
The Pole, chasing her maiden AO crown after five prior fourth-round appearances, boasts a stellar 25-7 tournament record. Grand Slam wins now total 107 against 21 losses.
Swiatek faces American Madison Keys next, a qualifier carrying Australian hopes. This victory underscores her champion mentality amid injury concerns.