Iga Świątek advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, defeating qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3 in an hour and 13 minutes. Inglis, the last Australian in the women's singles draw, reached the fourth round after a dramatic run that included a walkover from Naomi Osaka in the third round.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Świątek, the world No. 2, dominated the match with 22 winners and precise footwork, though Inglis briefly broke serve in the second set. The victory marks Świątek's third Australian Open quarterfinal appearance and keeps her on track for a potential career Grand Slam. Inglis, ranked No. 168, called her tournament run "life-changing" despite the loss.
Deeper Dive & Context
Inglis's Unlikely Journey
Inglis, 28, overcame a grueling qualifying campaign and a tense first-round win over fellow Australian Kimberly Birrell to reach the fourth round. Her third-round opponent, Osaka, withdrew due to an abdominal injury, handing Inglis a walkover and a matchup against Świątek. "Going into this tournament, I didn't think that I had that in me," Inglis said post-match.
Świątek's Quest for Career Grand Slam
Świątek, chasing the only major missing from her resume, praised her performance: "I felt pretty confident from the beginning. The pace of the ball was different from my last round, so I needed to adjust with my legs and be precise with my footwork." She will next face Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
Australian Reaction
Inglis's run captivated Australian fans, with Rod Laver Arena erupting in cheers when she broke Świątek's serve in the second set. Though the moment was short-lived, Inglis expressed pride in her performance: "It was an incredible two weeks. The best result of my career."
Looking Ahead
Świątek's victory solidifies her status as a title contender, while Inglis's breakthrough run could signal a rise in her career trajectory. Both players will now prepare for their next challenges, with Świątek aiming to complete her Grand Slam and Inglis looking to build on this momentum.