Iga Swiatek laments missed opportunities after shock exit at Australian Open

World No. 2 Swiatek was beaten 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) by 19th seed Keys on Thursday, losing to the American for just the second time in six meetings.

After a difficult second set, the Pole bounced back and served for the match at 6-5 in the decider, holding a match point before double faulting at break point down.

Swiatek also held multiple mini-break leads in the deciding 10-point tiebreak, though could not hold on to her advantage â- with a wayward forehand on match point down handing Keys a stunning victory.

It was just the second time the former world No. 1 had been beaten in seven Grand Slam final showings, missing out on a blockbuster final versus chief rival Aryna Sabalenka.

She said: "I felt I had my chance. I didn't [sic] know what would happen in the future â- 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.

"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."

Despite defeat, Swiatek has still managed to match her previous best result in Melbourne, having also reached the last four of the Australian Open back in 2022.

Swiatek currently holds a 9-2 record for 2025, having also won four matches at the United Cup before a loss to Coco Gauff.

Despite her defeats to Gauff and Keys, the world No 2 offered an optimistic assessment of her start to the season.

She added: "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."

Swiatek is next set to be in action at the Qatar Open in Doha, which starts on February 10th.

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