'Used To Always Seizing Opportunities': Swiatek Shocked By Her AO Semifinal Loss
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Iga Swiatek lost a dramatic Australian Open semifinal to Madison Keys after failing to convert a match point, and she admitted that not taking a chance to close out victory surprised her.
Swiatek held a match point against the American at 6-5, 40-30 in the third set but could only put a powerful return from her opponent into the net. She then double-faulted on break point down, leveling the contest at 6-6.
The four-time French Open champion was ahead throughout most of the deciding 10-point tiebreak before Keys won three consecutive points to take it 10-8 and seal her place in a second Grand Slam final, and first since the 2017 US Open.
Swiatek had been a significant favorite after dominating her previous five matches at this year's Australian Open. That included hammering Emma Navarro in the quarterfinal, a contest that included an umpiring mistake.
In her press conference after the heartbreaking loss, Swiatek acknowledged that not converting the match point to win was unexpected but also congratulated Keys and said she deserved to win the match.
"I felt I had my chance. I didn’t [sic] know what would happen in the future – maybe I’ll have more chances. I’m quite used to always seizing opportunities. When I have a chance to win, I always take it."
"That’s why it’s disappointing when it doesn’t happen, but this is sports, it’s not always going to go my way. Madison also did the job she needed to do and totally deserves to be in the final."
Swiatek thinks Keys' bravery during crucial moments was crucial to her success. The WTA world No. 2 also lamented not playing as freely as she did in the previous rounds.
"She made fewer mistakes than in the matches I beat her. I also faced her in Cincinnati where she played perfectly, and I had nothing to respond with. I knew she could do both things; what I didn’t know was what she would do today. I think she was much more solid than when we played those matches I won."
"The match was long, so there were many momentum shifts and different moments. I guess in the end, Madison was brave in her decisions and stepped up when needed. I’d say I wasn’t as free as in previous matches to apply pressure in crucial moments."
Although missing out on the final after coming so close was devastating, Swiatek is positive about the tournament and her start to 2025. Reaching the semifinal was her best run at a hard-court Grand Slam since winning the 2022 US Open.
"It’s tough to talk about it now, but overall, it’s been very positive. Personally, I have felt a bit better than in previous years here. The United Cup always brings positive emotions, but I have always felt tense here. This year has been different. It gives me a positive vibe for the rest of the season."
"Obviously, I wanted more. I’ve already played a semi-final and wanted to win this one, but I believe if I keep working hard, I will have more opportunities in the future and may seize them, unlike my match point today."
