Melbourne Rejects Iga Świątek’s Request: Polish Star Faces Tough Decision

Iga Świątek commenced her 2023 Australian Open campaign with a strong showing, defeating Yue Yuan in the first round. She continued her winning streak in the second round against Marie Bouzkova. However, Świątek faced challenges in her match against Anna Kalinska, losing the first set 1-6. Kalinska, after a rocky start, secured only one game in the second set, but Świątek regained form in the third set, securing her spot in the next round.

During a post-match press conference, Świątek reflected on the match, noting, “There were two turning points… I’m not surprised because Anna plays exceptionally well. Perhaps I could have started the second set differently, but I managed to find my rhythm in the third set. I’m happy with this match.”

Fans watched with anticipation as the potential fourth-round encounter between Świątek and Naomi Osaka loomed. Osaka, now coached by Świątek’s former coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, withdrew before facing qualifier Maddison Inglis. Consequently, Inglis advanced to play against Świątek in the fourth round.

Scheduling Controversies: Świątek vs. Inglis

The match between Iga Świątek and Maddison Inglis was initially scheduled as the first match in the night session, set to start at 9 AM Polish time on Rod Laver Arena. However, Jim Courier, a former American tennis player turned commentator, disclosed the complexities behind the scheduling. He revealed that intense discussions took place regarding the match timings.

Day vs Night Matches

• Świątek preferred to play during the day for better performance.
• Australian broadcasting interests prioritized local players in prime time slots.
• Courier emphasized that the scheduling battle extended until the last moment.

Citing the financial implications, Courier mentioned, “The Australian station desperately wanted an Australian player in prime time, which is why the match timings were compromised.” He also highlighted that Świątek’s scheduled match time of 11:30 AM was not ideal for her European fans, as it fell during the night in Poland.

Despite the challenges of night sessions, which experts believe do not accommodate Świątek’s playing style, she remains determined to advance in the tournament. As she prepares for the next stage of the Australian Open, her journey continues to capture the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.