MELBOURNE, Australia — Iga Swiatek showcased an outstanding performance during her match against Emma Raducanu, winning decisively with a score of 6-1, 6-0, in what was the only Australian Open women’s third-round encounter featuring two former Grand Slam champions. Swiatek described her experience on the court as if “the ball is listening to me,” emphasizing her unique ability to control her shots with precision. When elaborating on this sensation, she demonstrated the difference between focused aim and less accurate attempts by comparing the distances with her fingers, showing her keen sense of control when in peak form.
Swiatek, who has held the title of world No. 1 in the past and currently ranks No. 2 behind Aryna Sabalenka, has appeared incredibly formidable during the opening week of the tournament, making it difficult for opponents to keep up with her heavy-velocity forehands and superb returning skills. Her prowess was on full display as she dominated the match, which led one spectator to shout, “No mercy!” as she won 11 consecutive games after the score was tied at one game each.
In other matches that day, No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz suffered a surprising exit at the hands of 38-year-old Gael Monfils, who won 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4. Monfils became one of only two men over 38 to reach the fourth round of this tournament since 1988. Notably, younger players also made headlines, as 19-year-old Learner Tien and 20-year-old Alex Michelsen advanced to the fourth round of a major for the first time. Ben Shelton, meanwhile, also secured his place after defeating No. 16 seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Tien, who is ranked 121st, continued his impressive run by overcoming Corentin Moutet in straight sets after a thrilling earlier victory against No. 5 seed Daniil Medvedev. Similarly, Michelsen, ranked 42nd, triumphed over No. 19 seed Karen Khachanov, marking a remarkable week for the young players as they navigated their way through tougher competition successfully.
Shelton, seeded 21st and a semifinalist at the previous U.S. Open, will face Monfils next. Michelsen is set to match up against No. 8 Alex de Minaur after his victory against Francisco Cerúndolo. Tien will battle against 55th-ranked Lorenzo Sonego, who recently triumphed over Fabian Marozsan.
When reflecting on her match against Raducanu, Swiatek noted that she played at a level she deemed “perfect,” outpacing her opponent significantly in terms of winners and points won. Raducanu acknowledged that her performance did not match Swiatek’s skill level that day, contributing to the more one-sided scoreline.
Swiatek has four French Open titles and one U.S. Open title under her belt, yet she has not advanced beyond the semifinals at the Australian Open. After last year’s surprise loss in the third round, she has now only surrendered ten games through three matches in this tournament, which speaks to her current form under new coach Wim Fissette. Her next contender will be Eva Lys, who secured her spot in the main draw as a “lucky loser” after an injury dropout, making history by advancing to this stage for the first time.
Other noteworthy players also advancing for a chance at a quarterfinal berth include No. 6 Elena Rybakina, No. 8 Emma Navarro, and No. 9 Daria Kasatkina, who all achieved hard-fought victories. Rybakina, the reigning champion from Wimbledon, dispatched Dayana Yastremska, while Navarro overcame three-time finalist Ons Jabeur. Kasatkina sealed her win against Yulia Putintseva, while unseeded Veronika Kudermetova took out No. 15 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
As some higher seeds fell, No. 4 Jasmine Paolini was eliminated by No. 28 Elina Svitolina. In another surprising turn, Danielle Collins experienced mixed reactions from the crowd during her loss to Madison Keys, where she received treatment during the contest.
Navarro has demonstrated incredible resilience throughout the tournament, winning all her matches in three sets, leading to her involvement in the highest number of three-set matches among female players since last season. She playfully remarked on her love for the sport, stating that she enjoys the challenge of sticking through tough matches.
This tumultuous third round at the Australian Open has set the stage for thrilling encounters as players battle for their spots in the quarterfinals.
