Swiatek Survives Bizarre Net Incident in Australian Open Victory
World No.2 Iga Swiatek found herself in a scene more reminiscent of a Hollywood action film than a tennis court during her second-round match at the Australian Open. The Polish star narrowly avoided being struck by her opponent's racquet following a sequence of events so unusual it could have been lifted straight from The Matrix franchise.
A Rally Straight From The Silver Screen
Midway through the first set against Czech player Marie Bouzkova, the pair became locked in an extended rally that culminated with both athletes positioned dangerously close at the net. Bouzkova attempted a passing shot that Swiatek managed to deflect with her racquet, sending the ball arcing high into the air before it cleared the net with significant backspin.
The Czech competitor sprinted forward to make a play, but the ball's unusual bounce carried it back over the net to Swiatek's side of the court. Demonstrating quick thinking, Swiatek adopted an unconventional tactic by charging the net with her racquet raised overhead before abruptly pulling away and dodging her opponent's swinging racquet as she anticipated the ball's trajectory.
Confusion at the Net Leads to Point Controversy
Bouzkova did manage to reach across and swat the ball for what appeared to be an easy winner. However, in doing so, she made contact with the net, resulting in the point being awarded to Swiatek. The confusing situation prompted Bouzkova to question the chair umpire about potential hindrance before requesting an official review to determine whether Swiatek had reached over the net during the exchange.
"She's not moving, she just has the racquet up. For me it's not a hindrance," the chair umpire declared firmly. Video replays ultimately supported the official's assessment, confirming the point for the Polish second seed.
This rare incident provided the most memorable moment from what otherwise became a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory for Swiatek. The world No.2 now advances to face 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya in the third round at Melbourne Park.
Defending Champion Keys Leads American Charge
Meanwhile, defending champion Madison Keys spearheaded a strong contingent of women's heavyweights progressing to the Australian Open third round. The American veteran withstood a fierce second-set fightback from compatriot Ashlyn Krueger to secure a 6-1, 7-5 victory, extending her Open winning streak to an impressive nine consecutive matches.
"I started really well and I think Ashlyn started a little bit slow," Keys reflected afterward. "And then I was fully expecting her to raise her level, which she did. But it just got away from me a little quickly and, even if I lost a set, I just wanted to make sure I tried to get back in the set."
The 30-year-old acknowledged that her current form differs from her triumphant run last year, noting she hasn't captured a title since reigning supreme at Melbourne Park twelve months ago. Unlike her arrival in 2025 following success in Adelaide, Keys has encountered challenges finding her peak performance this tournament.
"Last year I played some unbelievable tennis and it's one of those things where you have moments in your career where things just aren't going right," Keys admitted. "But everyone likes to remind me that I'm the losingest grand slam champion, where I lost more games than anyone in history while winning a grand slam. So obviously there is room for improvement there still."
American Contingent Continues Strong Showing
Keys will next face Czech former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova for a coveted spot in the last sixteen. Pliskova ended the surprising run of Indonesian revelation Janice Tjen with a solid 6-4, 6-4 triumph.
Fellow American seeds Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula also secured their places in the third round during a star-studded day five at Melbourne Park. World No.4 Anisimova required nearly two hours to overcome Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-4 in a challenging encounter on Margaret Court Arena.
"That was quite a tough match," Anisimova conceded. "It was getting a little crazy in the second set but playing against Katerina, she's such a legend. Just hearing how many grand slams she's won every time in doubles is just insane. So obviously she was really giving me a run for my money."
The Wimbledon and US Open finalist from last year will now confront compatriot Peyton Stearns on Saturday for a quarter-final berth. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula joined the American advance with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory over McCartney Kessler in another all-American matchup. The three-time Australian Open quarter-finalist will meet Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva in the next round after she eliminated Spanish former world No.2 Paula Badosa.
