Iga Swiatek had looked really impressive all throughout her Australian Open campaign, but was taught a serious lesson by Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals earlier today.
After all, it marked the first real test that the Polish superstar had faced at this event, and she did not even come close to passing.
The first set was competitive, but as soon as the second got underway, Rybakina took control.
The power she exhibited was frightening at times, as she breezed into the semi-finals with a 7-5, 6-1 win.
Iga Swiatek, despite her efforts, has since been called out for her attitude in the post-match analysis.
Iga Swiatek called out by Jamie Murray
The pundit in question to voice his displeasure was Jamie Murray, speaking live on TNT Sports just hours after this Australian Open quarter-final had concluded.
He admitted, “I was a bit disappointed with Swiatek.”
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The Scotsman then explained why: “She didn’t problem solve out there. She got very down on herself.
“She is 5-24 now when losing the first set against top 10 opponents at this level. For someone as good as her, that is something she has got to change and find a way to figure out the problems when things are not going her way.
“She is obviously a great front-runner.”
Swiatek explained what Rybakina changed in the second set, speaking in her post-match press conference, that she felt lost her the match.
Jim Courier tells Iga Swiatek to copy Jannik Sinner
Jim Courier would echo Murray’s sentiment, but offered some tangible advice for Swiatek whilst speaking on the same broadcast: copy Jannik Sinner.
He admitted: “I think one of the things you notice when you watch someone like Jannik Sinner play, he is automatic with his decision making within the point. You know if he gets pressed, he is going to back up and play defence, but he is looking to play offence.
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“I think Iga could use a bit more of that mindset of I know I am playing against someone who hits the ball big and I am going to have to play some defence, but every time I get a chance to play some offence, I need to start doing that, instead of oscillating between the two frequencies.
“In those types of matches, you have to find that blend and use your heavy forehand to get some width, because Rybakina is amazing from the centre of the court. But if you get her moving side to side, she is more vulnerable.”
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