Swiatek in cruise control to make Australian Open third round / Photo: WILLIAM WEST - AFP
Swiatek in cruise control to make Australian Open third round
Six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek turned on the style to motor past Marie Bouzkova and into the Australian Open third round Thursday as she limbers up for a crack at a first Melbourne title.
The Polish second seed was in cruise control against the Czech player as the sun went down at John Cain Arena, sprinting to the finish 6-2, 6-3 in front of a vocal group of fans.
It set up a clash next against Russian world number 33 Anna Kalinskaya who swept past Austria's Julia Grabher 6-3, 6-3.
"I felt great playing today," said Swiatek.
"I felt more freedom than in the first round and I wanted to just go for it. I'm really happy with the performance, for sure.
"I'm trying to appreciate every match, and take nothing for granted," she added.
Swiatek has won four French Opens, the US Open and Wimbledon, but a title at Melbourne Park has proved elusive, with the 24-year-old making the semi-finals twice.
Last year, she surged into the last four but failed to get past eventual winner Madison Keys.
Swiatek arrived in Melbourne this year on the back of two singles defeats at the lead-up United Cup and was then pushed hard by Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue in round one.
She was more convincing against Bouzkova, cutting down on the 35 unforced errors made against Yuan to 27, while blasting 31 winners.
Serving was an issue for both players early on, exchanging first-set breaks before Swiatek got into her rhythm to take charge.
The Pole served to love to open set two, but a pair of baseline errors handed the Czech a break and she consolidated for a 3-1 advantage.
But it was a fleeting lead with Swiatek levelling at 3-3 and making the crucial break for 5-3 with a backhand winner before serving out for the match.
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