Iga Swiatek would not agree with the declare that this yr’s courtroom on the Australian Open is slower and that the balls are heavier.
On Friday, Jessica Pegula – who upset the Pole in final yr’s US Open quarterfinal – exited the Pleased Slam within the third spherical following a shock 7-6 (3) 6-1 defeat to Fifty fifth-ranked Olga Danilovic.
Later in her presser, the American tennis star complained that the courtroom and balls performed a giant half in why she was unable to play her sport.
“Conditions were so slow. It was slower than a clay court, it felt like. The balls were so heavy, and that totally I think favored [Olga] for sure,” the world No. 6 after dropping to Danilovic.
Swiatek: I have never observed them being slower
On Saturday, the world No. 2 annihilated Emma Raducanu 6-1 6-0 to securely progress into the Australian Open round-of-16.
Iga Swiatek© Australian Open/X – Honest Use
“I haven’t noticed them being slower. For me they’re fast. I remember last year, newer balls felt like bullets and you couldn’t control them,” Swiatek explained.
“I don’t feel that this year. But still they are really dynamic and they are bouncing on the court pretty fast… I wouldn’t say there’s much difference.”
Iga Swiatek on if courts are slower this year at Australian Open
“I haven’t noticed them being slower. For me they’re fast.. I remember last year, newer balls felt like bullets. I don’t feel that this year. But I wouldn’t say there’s much difference”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2025
Meanwhile, it has been so far, so good, for the five-time Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open this year since she has dropped a total of 10 games across her opening three matches.
In the next round, Swiatek will battle against lucky loser Eva Lys, who is one of the best stories of this year’s tournament.
The Pole beat the world No. 128 in their lone meeting in 2022 Stuttgart and she is again the heavy favorite to win.
