Swiatek appreciates the demand in her debut: "If you start with easy matches and then a tough one comes, you can feel rusty"

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Iga Swiatek started the Australian Open 2026 on the right foot. However, it was not a smooth and fleeting debut like many the Pole has had in most Grand Slams, as Yue Yuan was a real headache and took the world number two to an initial tiebreak and then challenged her until the end.

Nevertheless, Iga Swiatek did not back down, accepted the challenge, and secured victory with a 7-6(5), 6-3. A demanding debut that the Pole appreciated, just like Carlos Alcaraz did when he defeated Adam Walton in his debut. Both players view starting the early rounds of a Grand Slam with certain difficulties positively, to be on alert from the first match.

This was confirmed by the Pole in the press conference following her victory, where she also discussed the balance between patience and attack, assessed Yue Yuan's level, and made it clear that each match is a separate story.

Iga Swiatek happy with her debut at the 2026 Australian Open

"There were moments when I felt very good, although the start of the match was not perfect. I am happy that I managed to overcome that and close the match in two sets. In the tiebreak, I managed to play more aggressively and also more accurately. I think she played well. She seized some opportunities I gave her and was very solid with her forehand. She opted for a fast and aggressive game, so she played a good match."

The delicate balance between aggression and defense

"It not only depends on me but also on how the opponent plays. When I have the opportunity, I always try to be proactive and look for the winning shot. I don't like to just hit the ball back. But if the other player is also being very aggressive, you have to adapt. In tennis, you always go through different situations and must adjust to what comes from the other side of the net."

She praises the tennis and personality of Alexandra Eala

"She is a good person and, by her nature, deserves support. Additionally, coming from a small country often creates a special connection with people. Her style is different, with changes of pace, many slices, and surprising shots, and she can use that as a weapon."

She likes demanding early rounds

"It is true that if you play many long matches, the body feels it, but if you start with easy matches and then face a tough one, you may feel rusty. I have experienced both situations. It doesn't help to overanalyze them. The important thing is to learn from what happened and be prepared for the next match," states Iga Swiatek, who is ready for any situation in an Australian Open where she could make history
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Swiatek agradece la exigencia en su debut: "Si empiezas con partidos fáciles y luego llega uno duro, puedes sentirte oxidada"