January 13, 2025
World No.2 Iga Swiatek of Poland got her 2025 Australian Open campaign off to a victorious start on Monday, notching her 23rd first-round win at a major with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over 50th-ranked Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.
Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Swiatek, who is seeking her first Australian Open title, needed 1 hour and 21 minutes to hold off Siniakova, a nine-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and the current WTA Doubles World No.1.
“For sure it wasn’t the easiest match to start,” Swiatek said in press. “I kind of played better, I feel, at the end of the second set. So I was able to learn from what I did wrong in the first. … I think it was a solid match and I’m happy I’m through to the second round.”
The 23-year-old Swiatek is now a nearly-perfect 23-1 in Grand Slam first-round matches. Her sole first-round loss at a major was to Viktorija Golubic at 2019 Wimbledon, which was just the third Grand Slam main draw of her career.
I think I only lost once in the first round, it was at Wimbledon in 2019,” Swiatek said. “I wish I didn’t play so my stat would be perfect,” she added with a smile.
“It shows that I’m consistent,” Swiatek continued. “I’m just more confident before a Slam, even playing the first match. I know that no matter what’s going to happen, I have this kind of stat.”
After being edged out by Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end World No.1 ranking in 2024, Swiatek is in the hunt to reclaim the top spot this fortnight. Here are the scenarios for the No.1 ranking, with Coco Gauff also in the mix.
Coco Gauff on the other hand got her campaign on a winning note, easing to a 6-3, 6-3 win over her elder compatriot, the 2020 Melbourne champion, in her first match of the tournament inside Rod Laver Arena, despite struggles on serve under the midday Melbourne sun.
The victory moves the former US Open champion into the next round whilst also continuing her unbeaten start to the season after clinching the United Cup earlier this month with her country USA.
Also, Jessica Pegula kicked off her 2025 tennis season with an emphatic victory in the first round of the Australian Open.
The 30-year-old American and former World no.3 defeated Maya Joint 6-3,6-0 to move into round two.
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