Australian Open 2026: Iga Swiatek’s bid for career Grand Slam doesn’t get off to a great start

Iga Swiatek’s bid to make history and complete a career Grand Slam got off to a rocky start as she struggled to defeat Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue in the first round of the Australian Open.

The Melbourne winner is the only Grand Slam title missing from world number two Swiatek’s collection.

But the Pole’s pursuit of a seventh Grand Slam trophy and a piece of tennis history unfolded slowly on Rod Laver Arena, where she struggled on serve and committed 34 unforced errors.

Although far from her clinical best, Swiatek eventually defeated No. 130 Yuan Yuan 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

“It’s not perfect, but that’s why I’m happy because it’s not hard to win when everything goes right,” Swiatek said.

“Not today, but I made it, so that’s good.”