Iga Swiatek's Victory in Third Round

In a dramatic second-round clash at the Australian Open, world number one Iga Swiatek staged an impressive comeback to overcome unseeded American Danielle Collins. The match, which lasted over three hours on Rod Laver Arena, witnessed Swiatek facing a set and a break deficit before rallying back to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, extending her winning streak to 18 matches.

Swiatek expressed her relief after the challenging encounter, mentioning, “Honestly I was at the airport already.” She acknowledged Collins’s excellent play but stayed focused, waiting for the opponent’s mistakes. Swiatek credited herself for handling the momentum shifts and challenging moments during the match.

Collins, who defeated Swiatek in the 2022 Melbourne semi-finals, took an early lead by breaking in the fourth game. However, Swiatek quickly responded, and rain interrupted the game with the score tied at 3-3. After the delay, Swiatek broke again, securing the first set.

The Polish top seed continued her momentum by breaking Collins early in the second set, establishing a seemingly firm lead. Yet, Collins rallied, winning five consecutive games and leveling the match.

The deciding set saw Collins surging to a 4-1 advantage, leaving Swiatek struggling. However, the tide turned as Swiatek broke back and saved crucial break points, eventually clinching the victory.

Swiatek’s next challenge in the third round will be unseeded Czech player Linda Noskova. The match showcased Swiatek’s resilience and ability to handle pressure, emphasizing her determination to succeed in the Australian Open. As the top seed, Swiatek remains a formidable contender in the tournament, showcasing her skills and mental strength on the court.

_{Repurposed article originally published in News 18}