World No.2 Iga Swiatek has navigated an unexpected double challenge – a determined Chinese qualifier and a malfunctioning skirt – to book her place in the Australian Open second round. The Polish star, hunting a career Grand Slam, was tested by Yuan Yue before securing a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory on Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.
Wardrobe Woes Disrupt Early Rhythm
The match's opening set was as much a battle with her attire as with her opponent. Swiatek, visibly frustrated, was bothered by her On-brand skirt throughout the first set, which stretched to a tense tiebreaker. She ripped the garment during an early changeover, attempting to tuck the loose fabric into her tights to minimise distraction.
Australian doubles legend and commentator Rennae Stubbs pinpointed the issue. "She’s used to having a little bit more room in there," Stubbs observed. "She likes to do the splits when she’s hitting that big wide forehand and it seemed to be bothering her quite a bit. It looks good but it certainly might not be functional for her as a tennis player."
Seemingly on Swiatek's orders, a team member fetched a pair of shorts during the last changeover before the set break. The six-time major winner changed and appeared far more comfortable and mobile for the remainder of the contest.
Yuan Yue Pushes Hard Before Succumbing
While the skirt caused headaches, world No.130 Yuan Yue provided a stern tennis test. The Chinese qualifier showed remarkable pluck, twice breaking Swiatek's serve in the first set and pushing the tiebreaker. Her aggressive play forced errors and hesitation from the reigning Wimbledon champion.
After dropping the first set, Yuan took a medical timeout for treatment on her lower back and side early in the second. She showed grit to fight back into the contest, frustrating Swiatek at times, but the Pole's superior class and power ultimately shone through to close out the match.
Swiatek Admits Rust, Eyes Improvement
Speaking after the match, Swiatek conceded her performance was below her brilliant best, referencing recent losses to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the United Cup. "I was a bit rusty at the beginning. Didn’t really start well and she used the opportunity," Swiatek said.
She identified key adjustments that turned the match. "I needed to get my legs moving and go after my shots, overall be more brave with the decisions," she explained. "Today it wasn’t [going well], but I managed to win, so that’s good."
The victory sets up a second-round clash with Czech world No.44 Marie Bouzkova. Swiatek remains the only active female player in Melbourne with the chance to complete a career Grand Slam, having already won the French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon. She has reached the semi-finals twice at the Australian Open but is yet to feature in the final.
