TENNIS: Swiatek avoids setting goals for 2026 ahead of Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Iga Swiatek arrives at Melbourne Park with the Australian Open title the only missing piece on her Grand Slam resume. The world number two, however, is avoiding setting specific goals for the new season, focusing instead on improving her game.

The 24-year-old Pole has claimed major titles on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, the clay of Paris, and the grass of Wimbledon. Yet, she has never reached the final at the season-opening Grand Slam, falling in the semi-finals on two occasions.

“For now, I’m not setting results goals,” Swiatek told Polish sports news website Sportowy24 last month. “I am focusing on developing technically and in terms of my tennis game itself.”

Swiatek is known for her grit and intensity on tour. However, after missing out on a semi-final berth at the season-ending WTA Finals for a second consecutive year in November, she was forced to reassess her approach.

She has openly discussed the physical and mental toll of the demanding tour schedule, stating in Beijing in September that the season is “too long and too intense.” Before Christmas, she told Sportowy24 that spending more time at home than usual left her feeling refreshed.

The Pole has also worked with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz, whom she frequently credits for shaping her preparation and routines. She has defended the partnership publicly amid questions about the collaboration.

“I hope the preparation period will mean that in the new season I will play well, solidly, and that I will learn something new,” Swiatek said, reflecting on her heartbreaking semi-final loss to eventual champion Madison Keys at last year’s Australian Open.

After enjoying some peace in Poland, Swiatek will now face the intensity of Melbourne Park, which kicks off on January 18 and will crown a women’s champion after two punishing weeks of summer heat.

The disappointment of a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 loss to Swiss player Belinda Bencic in the United Cup final on a similarly fast Sydney surface on Sunday was softened by Poland ultimately winning the trophy.

“I’m still here, nothing crazy happened,” Swiatek reassured her fans. “Everything is fine, just super sore. I guess, first tournament of the year costs everybody a bit differently than during the season.”

The Australian Open features 11 Grand Slam champions, with top seed Aryna Sabalenka among the favourites. Swiatek will have little time to ease herself back into elite competition.

While she avoids discussing it publicly, the Pole could complete a career Grand Slam if she lifts the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. A claycourt specialist, Swiatek has won four of her majors at Roland Garros but has also shown versatility, capturing the U.S. Open in 2022. Her 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova in last July’s Wimbledon final further proved her adaptability.

Given her past success on multiple surfaces, it would be no surprise if Swiatek finally masters Melbourne Park this season.

-Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters