Iga Swiatek explains why she got ‘angry’ during her first round match at the Australian Open
Iga Swiatek has made a winning start to the 2025 Grand Slam season, after beating Katerina Siniakova in her first round match at the Australian Open.
Swiatek played on the John Cain Arena for the first time since 2022, but that did not seem to phase her after she enjoyed a straight sets win in Melbourne.
This was the first match that the Pole had played since the United Cup, where Swiatek lost to Coco Gauff in the final.
Iga Swiatek backs change made by the Australian Open
The Australian Open have made a big change this year, with coaches now able to sit courtside on some of the bigger courts.
This innovation has received mixed reviews, with world number one Aryna Sabalenka not a fan of the Australian Open’s decision.
Swiatek was more positive about the change made by the tournament when speaking in her post-match press conference.
“I think it’s much more convenient because, well, we can use the coaching. We don’t need to if we don’t want to,” said Swiatek. “But I think these rules with coaching, they were nice for smaller courts, but if you play on a stadium, it’s impossible to hear the coach anyway.
“Now actually it makes more sense, because both if you play on a smaller court you can use it if you play on the stadium, as well. I think now it finally makes sense (smiling). Yeah, I like it. It’s our choice if we want to use it or not. If you have a good communication with your coach, I think it might work.”
Iga Swiatek explains why she got angry at the Australian Open
Swiatek hit a total of 15 unforced errors in her first match at the Australian Open against Siniakova, with nine of those coming from the backhand wing.
This is something that the five-time major winner admitted was frustrating her, with Swiatek speaking to new coach Wim Fissette during the match.
“Honestly, today I knew what mistakes I did. It was more me talking to Wim and being angry about some shots that I didn’t make as I wanted to (smiling),” continued Swiatek. “Though I don’t think I’m supposed to talk, so let’s pretend I didn’t say that.
“Yeah, I mean, today I didn’t feel like I needed coaching. I knew what I needed to improve. I just focused on the tips that I gave to myself kind of.”
Swiatek now moves onto play world number 49 Rebecca Sramkova in her second round match at the Australian Open.
