Iga Świątek (2nd WTA) advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and was in the best eight of this tournament for the second time in her career. Iga defeated German Eva Lys (WTA 128) 6-0, 6-1, and the entire match lasted exactly 60 minutes. Apart from the first game, in which Lys had two break points, Świątek was not at risk. The fans gathered in the stands at Rod Laver Arena cheered every point scored by the German.
What did Świątek say after advancing to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open?
Świątek forgot how old she was. “I didn't always feel comfortable”
Former Australian tennis player Alicia Molik, who has Polish roots, talked to Iga. The interview started with the words “a very good match”. – Nice Polish. It was my first match in the evening session, so I was glad that I could play at Rod Laver Arena at such a time and in such a great atmosphere – she said. Then suddenly Świątek forgot how old she was. – Honestly, I'm still… 23 years old, so I have a lot of room for development – said the Pole, and the audience couldn't help but laugh. – I don't feel like this is my peak. Such a match gave me a lot of self-confidence, I feel that I played well – continued Świątek.
Later, Świątek said, among other things: about the impact of the new coach on her play during the tournament. – So far, I haven't always felt comfortable with my game at the Australian Open, but this year it's better. I enjoy being on and off the court. I don't know what will happen in the future, maybe I will play better. Coach Wim had an impact on how I feel on the court now. The whole team did a great job and have been supporting me for many years. I feel very comfortable, the Pole explained.
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At the very end, Świątek thanked the Polish fans for their support during the match. – Thank you for coming, for all the Polish flags. It really warms my heart, Świątek announced. – Good night – this is how Alicia Molik ended the interview. – Not yet, only in a few hours, but good night – replied Świątek.
Then Świątek gave a short interview on Eurosport. The Pole referred to the fact that so far she has spent an average of 68 minutes in a match. – It's definitely an unusual tournament in this respect, but I feel fresh. I can enter the quarterfinals with full energy. I hope that I will be ready for situations that may be more stressful, she explained.
– What does the preparation look like for a day and evening session? The preparation is definitely different, waiting for the match takes some getting used to. Now I have my routines. I can play during the day and in the evening. It will be colder in the quarterfinals, but the change in conditions does not matter. It will probably be less dynamic, but we'll see, Świątek concluded.
Świątek's opponent in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open will be American Emma Navarro (8th WTA) or Russian Daria Kasatkina (10th WTA).