Iga Swiatek’s aura of invincibility grew at the Australian Open with a 6-2, 6-3 straight-sets romp over Marie Bouzkova, propelling her to the third round of an astonishing 24th consecutive major. No other woman in the Open Era has matched this in any decade’s opening 24 events.
Swiatek’s match at John Cain Arena was a masterclass in baseline aggression. Groundstrokes whistling at 140 km/h pinned Bouzkova back, yielding an early break and the first set. The Czech fighter couldn’t find rhythm against the onslaught.
In the decider, Swiatek absorbed an initial unforced error hiccup, then dictated terms with ace-laden serves. Bouzkova’s two match-point heroics delayed the inevitable, but Swiatek’s forehand clincher in a marathon rally ended it 6-3.
This victory aligns Swiatek with legends, hitting 25 straight Grand Slam second rounds like Kuznetsova once did. Flashback to 2019 US Open: her last pre-third-round exit versus Sevastova.
The drama escalated as Oksana Selekhmeteva stunned Paula Badosa, securing her first Top 30 win and maiden major third round. She eyes Jessica Pegula next in a career milestone.
Qualifier Madison Inglis captivated with a 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(7) triumph over Siegemund in the tourney’s second-longest match at 3:20. Swiatek’s march continues amid these thrilling twists.