Swiatek, Keys Advance to Australian Open Semifinals, Sinner Faces De Minaur Challenge

Posted : 22 January 2025

Iga Swiatek cruised into the Australian Open semifinals with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Emma Navarro on Rod Laver Arena, showcasing her quest for a maiden Melbourne title. The second seed, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has been in stellar form, advancing without dropping a set and surrendering just 14 games across five matches.

Swiatek, who remains focused on her game, will face the experienced Madison Keys in the next round. Reflecting on her opponent, Swiatek remarked on Keys’ strong tournament performance, emphasizing the need to stay sharp in their upcoming clash.

Madison Keys secured her semifinal spot after an impressive comeback against Elina Svitolina, overcoming a set deficit to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. This marks Keys' third semifinal appearance at Melbourne Park, a decade after her first.

The 19th seed has been in excellent form this season, leading the WTA Tour with 12 wins and riding a 10-match unbeaten streak following her Adelaide title. Keys credited her aggressive play and timely net approaches for her resilience against Svitolina, having already defeated strong contenders Elena Rybakina and Danielle Collins earlier in the tournament.

In the other women’s semifinal, world No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will take on Spain’s Paula Badosa, with high stakes for the top ranking. If Sabalenka loses, Swiatek will reclaim the No. 1 spot, but a potential final between the two could decide both the championship and the rankings. Sabalenka and Swiatek’s rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to the tournament as both aim for Melbourne glory.

On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner will face Alex de Minaur in a highly anticipated quarterfinal under cooler evening conditions. Sinner, who battled dizzy spells in his four-set win over Holger Rune, is looking to extend his dominance over de Minaur, having won all nine of their previous encounters.

De Minaur, aiming to become the first Australian man in 20 years to reach the semifinals at his home Slam, expressed determination to overcome the challenge. Meanwhile, American Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Sonego will vie for the other semifinal spot, with Sonego ending teenage qualifier Learner Tien’s remarkable run.

Swiatek, Keys Advance to Australian Open Semifinals, Sinner Faces De Minaur Challenge

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