Iga Swiatek enters the 2026 Australian Open with momentum on her side and history within reach, yet the world No. 2 insists her focus remains firmly rooted in the present.
Fresh off a successful start to her season at the United Cup with Team Poland, the Polish star is preparing for her eighth appearance at Melbourne Park, where expectations continue to follow her closely.
Strong start sets the tone for 2026
Swiatek began her 2026 campaign by lifting the United Cup, signaling sharp form ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.
Seeded second at the Australian Open, the 24-year-old arrives in Melbourne as one of the tournament favorites, building on consistent performances that have defined her rise at the top of women’s tennis.
Last year, Iga Swiatek came agonizingly close to reaching her first Australian Open final. She advanced to the semifinals and held a one-set lead against Madison Keys before surrendering momentum to the eventual champion. That near miss remains one of the few unfinished chapters in her otherwise decorated Grand Slam resume.
Career Grand Slam within reach
After capturing her maiden Wimbledon title in 2025, Swiatek is now just an Australian Open trophy away from completing the Career Grand Slam.
Only 10 women in tennis history have achieved the feat, placing the Pole on the brink of a rare milestone. Despite the historical significance, Swiatek has made it clear that she is not allowing the narrative to influence her mindset heading into the tournament.
When asked about the possibility of completing the Career Grand Slam, Swiatek said:
“I think you guys are thinking more about it. I can hear that. “No, I mean, honestly, since the beginning of the year, there are many people coming to me and talking to me about it.”
Focused on process, not pressure
Rather than setting lofty expectations, Iga Swiatek emphasized her commitment to a methodical approach that has fueled her success so far.
“I’m really just focusing on, like, day-by-day work. This is how it’s always been for me. This is how I actually was able to achieve the success that I already have, just focusing really on grinding, match by match.”
She also acknowledged the difficulty of Grand Slam success, adding:
“Winning a Grand Slam is tough. Like a lot of things have to come together to do that. Yeah, it’s a tough tournament.”
While the dream remains alive, Swiatek underlined that improvement, not outcome, guides her mindset:
“So I have, like, no expectations. Obviously it would be a dream come true. This is not, like, my clear goal that I wake up with. I’m thinking more about how I want to play, what I want to improve, like, day by day.”
As her Australian Open journey begins, Iga Swiatek appears determined to let performance—not pressure—write the next chapter.