It was an expected poster to open the Rod Laver Arena program. Current world number 2, Iga Swiatek challenged Emma Raducanu, who hopes to regain the level which allowed her to win the US Open in 2021.
Nevertheless, the challenge looked immense for the Briton, who has never overcome the Pole in three previous confrontations.
She has never won a single set against Swiatek on the main circuit.
And the statistics are not going to get any better, since at the end of a one-sided match, the five-time Grand Slam winner was quick and only lost one game to Raducanu (6-1, 6-0 in 1h08).
The latter had no break points and suffered the lightning from her opponent (9 winning shots against 24 for Swiatek, who only made 12 unforced errors).
Having walked since the start of the tournament, the Polish player quietly qualified for the second week without conceding a single set on her way.
-She will be pitted against German lucky loser Eva Lys (who defeated Cristian in three rounds) for a place in the quarterfinals.
Swiatek also spoke on court after her big victory: “I just try to have fun when I play.
I made a few shots where I thought, ‘This is what I’m training for.’ That’s why I enjoyed playing this match today.
I felt confident. Ultimately, I think I could have put her under even more pressure, but converting all those break points was very important. I am happy with my performance,” she assured.
