TENNIS: Swiatek blocks out career slam chatter, refuses draw spoilers at Australian Open

Poland’s Iga Swiatek has dismissed suggestions that chasing a career Grand Slam is driving her Australian Open campaign this year. The world number two said on Friday that she blocks out outside noise and focuses on “grinding match by match.”

A six-time major winner with titles at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open, Swiatek has yet to reach the semi-finals at Melbourne Park. While she acknowledged that achieving the milestone would be special, she refused to make it her main focus.

“Honestly, since the beginning of the year, many people have been talking to me about it. I’m really just focusing on day-by-day work. This is how it’s always been for me,” Swiatek told reporters.

“This is how I’ve been able to achieve the success I already have—just focusing on grinding match by match. Winning a Grand Slam is tough; a lot of things have to come together to do that. It’s a tough tournament, so I have no expectations. Obviously, it would be a dream come true, but this is not the clear goal I wake up with. I’m thinking more about how I want to play and what I want to improve day by day.”

Swiatek could face twice champion Naomi Osaka, and big-hitter Elena Rybakina may also challenge her path to the title. However, the second seed said she prefers not to look at the draw or know potential opponents in advance.

“I’m not looking at the draw, so thanks for the heads-up. No, it’s not a joke. I’m literally not doing that,” she said, ahead of her first-round match against China’s Yuan Yue. “So please don’t spoil it for me. I want to be surprised after every match.”

Swiatek had mixed results at the United Cup, losing her singles matches in both the semi-finals and final. Still, Poland claimed the trophy for the first time after defeating Switzerland in the title clash.

“The Sydney matches weren’t the smoothest. It wasn’t an easy start. I think I still need to work on some things. I could play better,” she admitted.

“Overall, it’s going to be about mentality—being able to go on court, enjoy playing, and bring extra energy. It’s not something I can describe, but it’s about bringing intensity, being there every point, and not worrying about mistakes. Just go forward and try to push.”

-Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Sharon Singleton/Reuters