Concern is mounting among tennis fans for world number two Iga Swiatek after a series of emotional outbursts and on-court struggles just days before the start of the Australian Open.
Emotional Outbursts Raise Eyebrows
The Polish star, who won Wimbledon last year with a stunning 6-0, 6-0 final victory over Amanda Anisimova, was seen breaking down in tears on multiple occasions during the United Cup in Sydney. Swiatek cried during a changeover in her win over Australian teenager Maya Joint, despite having just broken serve for a 2-1 lead. She then wept again after losing to Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, throwing her racquet in frustration.
The incidents prompted a wave of worry on social media, with one fan writing, "I'm so stressed! I can't even enjoy the match anymore." Another commented on the immense pressure, stating, "We built her up too high. The hype machine demands perfection, and reality checks sting."
Fitness and Form Questions Loom
Swiatek's emotional displays coincided with a dip in form. She will enter the Australian Open on the back of successive losses to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic. During the defeat to Bencic, which ended 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, she left the court for treatment, raising questions about her physical condition.
The 24-year-old, however, has dismissed injury fears. "Everything is fine. Just super sore," Swiatek explained. She attributed her rare 6-0 'bagel' set loss to fatigue, noting the physical adjustment required at the start of the season and the draining nature of team events like the United Cup.
Grand Slam Dream on the Line in Melbourne
The timing of these concerns is critical. Swiatek arrives at Melbourne Park with the chance to complete a career Grand Slam, having won every major except the Australian Open. Her record there is a relatively modest 22-7, and she has yet to reach the final.
In contrast, world number one Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, warmed up perfectly by winning her third straight Brisbane International title.
Swiatek is trying to remain philosophical about her recent results. "For sure these are good matches to analyse against really top players," she said. "We're going to work now to improve some elements that didn't work this week." She added that in tennis, "You've got to go with the flow. We'll see."
With the first Grand Slam of the year imminent, all eyes will be on whether the six-time major winner can regain her dominant composure and mount a serious challenge for the title that has so far eluded her.
