Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, progressed to the Australian Open semi-final by defeating Emma Navarro, setting the stage for a showdown with Madison Keys on Wednesday. This achievement equals her best performance in Melbourne.
The Polish second seed put on an impressive display in challenging windy conditions at Rod Laver Arena, winning 6-1, 6-2 against the eighth-seeded American.
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This result matches her previous best at the Australian Open in 2022, where she lost to eventual finalist Danielle Collins in the semi-finals.
Her upcoming opponent will be American 19th seed Keys, who overcame Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Keys, reaching the semi-finals for the third time a decade after her initial appearance, is experiencing an impressive run with ten straight wins following her recent victory in Adelaide this month. However, she will face a tough test against Swiatek, who has yet to drop a set and has only conceded 14 games across her five matches, with seven of those coming in her opening round.
“Madison is a great player and experienced so you never know,” Swiatek said. “It will be tricky, I will just be focused on myself. She has already played a good tournament here and we are well aware of how she can play.”
Swiatek has shown remarkable form while staying composed and confident, focusing on her ultimate goals.
One of her objectives is to regain the world number one ranking she lost to Aryna Sabalenka last year following a one-month doping suspension.
If Sabalenka loses her semi-final against Paula Badosa on Thursday, the Polish player will return to the top spot.
Should Swiatek and Sabalenka face each other in the final, the winner will claim the number one ranking leaving Australia.
