Swiatek Lists Two Reasons for Australian Open Defeat

Vegas Tennis Team
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Swiatek Lists Two Reasons for Australian Open Defeat

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Thursday, January 23, 2025
Image credit: Hannah Peters/Getty

Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance as she thundered through the Australian Open, losing serve just twice leading up to the semifinals.

However, tonight, a fearless Madison Keys turned the tables on Swiatek, saving match point in a breathtaking 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) comeback, securing her place in the Australian Open semifinals.


Happy Warrior: Keys Stuns Swiatek for First AO Final

This loss marks the second time in three years that Swiatek’s pursuit of an Australian Open title has been thwarted by a tenacious American player.

The spirited Danielle Collins dealt Swiatek one of her most significant defeats in the 2022 semifinals with a score of 6-4, 6-1.

In that encounter, Collins dominated with her powerful backhand. Tonight, Keys unleashed her thunderous forehand at crucial moments.

Previously known for her tendency to falter in high-stakes situations, Keys displayed a newfound patience, selecting the right moments to unleash her formidable power. She often set up her shots perfectly, sending line-gripping forehands towards Swiatek.

Keys’ aggressive play forced Swiatek to repeatedly defend, pushing her back with relentless depth and pace.

Post-match, Swiatek pointed out two crucial factors in Keys’ dramatic victory:

1. Keys displayed greater courage and intensity during critical points.

2. Keys consistently secured free points off her serve.

Despite Swiatek’s stronger second serve, producing more winning second-serve points, Keys matched her power with seven aces and only four double faults, while Swiatek recorded no aces and seven double faults.

The evening’s indoor conditions, with the Rod Laver Arena’s retractable roof closed, favored Keys, who has revamped her serving technique and equipment this season, providing her with extra power from her lighter Yonex racquet.

Indoor play also muted Swiatek’s usually effective topspin forehand. Keys capitalized on this by aggressively attacking Swiatek’s forehand side, cornering her before delivering lethal forehands down the line.

“If I could have secured easy points on my serve like she did, I think I might have had a chance,” Swiatek reflected. “She always found a way to recover with her serve, while I struggled to serve effectively. That may have made a significant difference.”

“It was tight right from the starting point. The second set, especially, was something I wanted to forget and return to my game…”

“I believe I played well, but she outperformed me. I gave it my all; I wouldn’t say I succumbed or that I should have won.”

Keys, long seen as a remarkable yet inconsistent player who struggled with her focus during critical matches, has now turned the narrative around. Armed with a new Yonex racquet, fresh strings, an enhanced serving style, and boosted confidence, she boasts a WTA-leading 13-1 record, with a perfect 7-0 mark in three-set matches.

Tonight, Keys exhibited exceptional composure.

Facing match point at 6-5, Keys launched a fearsome forehand return to save herself.

Ultimately, Swiatek faltered, committing her sixth double fault, handing Matthews her opportunity to engage in a match-tiebreak.

With the score at 7-8 in the tiebreaker, Keys unleashed a powerful ace, then followed with blistering forehands, breaking through Swiatek’s defenses for a monumental victory.

“So what was the game-changer? This match was a marathon, with countless shifts in momentum and critical moments,” Swiatek noted. “At the end of the day, I think Madison exhibited remarkable bravery in her decisions, pushing me when necessary.”

“I just didn’t feel as liberated as I did in previous matches, especially in those important moments.”



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