Emma Raducanu explained the differences between facing Iga Swiatek in 2024 and in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open.
The Brit had been impressive through her first two matches, which suggested she could give the World number two a stern test.
They faced one another in the hot sunshine on Rod Laver Arena and once again the Pole claimed the victory, but this was the most decisive one yet.
Iga Swiatek took just 70 minutes to comprehensively defeat Emma Raducanu for the loss of just one game and move into the fourth round of the Australian Open.
What did Emma Raducanu say about the differences between playing Iga Swiatek in 2024 from the 2025 Australian Open
Raducanu just simply could not get going against Swiatek at the Australian Open.
The second seed struck 24 winners to just nine from Raducanu, and committed just 12 unforced errors in a truly dominant display.
Their last meeting at the 2024 Stuttgart Open was a closer affair, which Swiatek won 7-6, 6-3. Raducanu said she served better in that match, and her numbers were certainly down in that department at Melbourne Park.
“I would say the difference between playing her today and playing her in Stuttgart, the last two times where I was pretty close, I mean, I was serving really well in Stuttgart both years,” said Raducanu, whose first serve was below 60% and she won just 23% of points behind her second serve on Saturday.
“I think I landed a lot of first serves. It just helps set the rest of your points up on your games, get a few free points. Then you feel maybe more confident to swing on the return games, too.
“I think like in other aspects, like the groundstroke aspects of my game are actually probably better now.
“I just don’t think I was able to be in that situation too often today where we were, like, from the back on level terms I’d say I’m definitely improving. It’s just one big factor that was probably not as good.”
Emma Raducanu said if Iga Swiatek’s game has changed since their 2024 Stuttgart meeting
Raducanu’s aim in 2025 is to play more matches and regularly compete against the game’s top players. She has made a solid start by reaching the third round of the Australian Open and playing Swiatek for a fourth time.
But Reducanu has yet to beat the five-time Grand Slam champion and she outlined how the Pole’s game has changed since their last meeting.
“I think, honestly, she’s pretty similar. I think maybe she made a few more errors in Stuttgart,” Raducanu said. “I don’t think she really missed much today. But I think it’s a combination of the pressure that I can apply to her and also the way I played today.”
Following the match Swiatek was also asked about her her game has changed from several months ago to the present day.
“I think kind of everything changed because for sure last year I think it was the toughest Australian Open I ever had,” said Swiatek, who will play lucky loser Eva Lys in round four.
“Like, the draw was pretty unlucky for me. But, I mean, still, if you play well, you’re able to get through that. I remember I was just tight, didn’t move well. Also had some things that bothered me like physically, as well.
“Now I feel much more fresh. I feel like everything is in the right spot and working. I can just focus on the game, and that’s it. I don’t need to fight through some stuff. Yeah, I feel less stress. It’s helping, for sure.”
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