“Playing against Coco is different than playing against Emma": Iga Swiatek reflects on potential revenge with Gauff following Raducanu rout

Iga Swiatek is already anticipating a potential showdown with Coco Gauff following a dominant victory over Emma Raducanu. The five-time Grand Slam champion cruised past Raducanu in the third round with an emphatic 6-1, 6-0 win, advancing to the second week of the Australian Open.

Swiatek and Gauff won’t face each other for now, at least not until a potential final. The pair recently met in the United Cup final, where the American claimed victory in straight sets, narrowing their head-to-head record to 11-3.

Swiatek reflects after crushing Raducanu at Australian Open

The 21-year-old American defeated Belinda Bencic after overcoming a tough first set, winning 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 to secure her spot in the tournament's quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Swiatek awaits her Monday clash against lucky loser Eva Lys, where she is a heavy favourite.

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Swiatek’s recent victory over Raducanu highlighted the Pole’s strong form. When asked in a press conference to compare her match against Raducanu to the United Cup final against Gauff, Swiatek responded, “Oh, doesn’t make sense to compare.”

“Playing against Coco is different than playing against Emma or other players. Like, she’s literally one of the three best players in the world right now, I would say,” stated the world No. 2. “Yeah, but, I mean, I felt like I’m playing good in the United Cup. I had these nice matches with [Karolina] Muchova and [Katie] Boulter, as well.”

“I was in trouble. I was able to come back. I won against Elena [Rybakina] for the first time on faster hard courts. It was nice. I felt like I’m playing good. For sure, I couldn’t give 100% on that match with Coco. Obviously, she earned it.”

“So for sure I would like to play again with Coco when I’m more fit and ready to run and everything. With Coco, you need to physically be ready. She’s running a lot, as well. The rallies can be long.

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“But yeah, I mean, during the whole year, I think there are many situations where, I don’t know, both players are fresh, or one is fatigued, one not,” added the four-time French Open champion. “United Cup is intense for everybody. You never know what you’re going to see on the other side of the net.

“When you play these top players, you always need to be ready and 100% to win against them. Also, these previous wins I had with her, they didn’t happen like that (snapping fingers). I always had to work for it. I wouldn’t compare. Totally different story. Totally different tournament.”

Swiatek will take to the court on Monday against Eva Lys with the chance to enter the quarterfinals. The Pole remains in the hunt for the world No. 1 ranking alongside Aryna Sabalenka. If Swiatek secures the title, she will reclaim the top spot, although an early exit from Sabalenka could also seal her return to No. 1 by the end of the tournament.

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