Iga Swiatek Vs Anna Kalinskaya, Australian Open: Polish Star Battles Through Three Sets
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek survived a roller-coaster third-round battle against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya at the 2026 Australian Open, advancing to the Round of 16 with a 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory at Margaret Court Arena. After dominating the first set with aggressive groundstrokes and early breaks, Swiatek unexpectedly lost momentum in the second as Kalinskaya seized control and forced a set apiece. But the six-time major champion regained her rhythm in the deciding set, breaking early and racing through to seal the win in one hour and 44 minutes, showing resilience after the mid-match stumble. With the victory, Swiatek keeps her bid for a first Australian Open title alive and now faces Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis in the next round.
Iga Swiatek of Poland signs autographs after defeating Anna Kalinskaya of Russia in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Iga Swiatek, left, of Poland is congratulated by Anna Kalinskaya of Russia following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Anna Kalinskaya of Russia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her third round match against Anna Kalinskaya of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Anna Kalinskaya of Russia plays a backhand return to Iga Swiatek of Poland during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Anna Kalinskaya of Russia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Anna Kalinskaya of Russia plays a forehand return to Iga Swiatek of Poland during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her third round match against Anna Kalinskaya of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Aaron Favila
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