“I need to keep my expectations low”: Iga Swiatek avoids big predictions, chooses to ‘focus on the work’ after first win in Australian Open

Iga Swiatek shared her thoughts after a triumphant Australian Open debut, defeating Czech player Katerina Siniakova (No. 46) by 6-3, 6-4. The five-time Grand Slam champion is focusing on taking each match step by step and showing her best form, discussing the changes she made for this season.

At the end of the 2024 season, Swiatek announced her split from former coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. Shortly after, it was revealed that Belgian coach Wim Fissette, who previously worked with Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, and Naomi Osaka, had joined her team.

Swiatek reflects after Australian Open victory

Starting the season with a new coach meant Swiatek had to adjust her preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year. “The preparation has changed a bit because it’s a different coach, and that was enough of a change. We’re obviously working a little differently; it’s always different when you switch coaches.”

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Swiatek also highlighted another adjustment for 2025. “The mistake over the last two years was not having my own hitting partner, so this year I have one on my team, including at this tournament. I wouldn’t say my preparation in previous years was really bad. I just felt my level dropped during the tournament, but it’s hard to say why. You’re not always going to have answers.”

The Polish star refrained from making specific predictions or setting clear objectives for the tournament, instead aiming to maintain focus and improve her game. “I need to keep my expectations low, just focus on the work and on playing better if I can. This isn’t the easiest surface for me, but I have to keep grinding and fighting for every ball.”

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Swiatek will next face Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova, one of last season's surprise performers. The 27-year-old claimed a title and reached two WTA 250 finals late in 2024, leading her country to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, securing wins over Katie Boulter and Danielle Collins along the way.

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