New Delhi: The stage is set for the third round of the Australian Open, featuring a matchup between two US Open champions vying to advance in the tournament. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has maintained her strong performance at the 2025 Australian Open so far, recently overpowering Rebecca Sramkova, who could only manage to win just three games in their second-round match. This reflects Swiatek’s remarkable dominance as she booked a spot in the third round.
The Polish star executed her first serves with an impressive 83% success rate and converted five out of six break points, leaving her Slovak opponent with no opportunity to mount a challenge. With this win, Swiatek remains in contention for the championship. Nevertheless, early rounds should not be underestimated as the WTA is known for surprising upsets, the latest being last season’s runner-up and fifth seed Qinwen Zheng’s shocking defeat.
R3 is calling 📞@iga_swiatek answers the call dropping only 2 games.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/YJkn3zH8WT
— wta (@WTA) January 16, 2025
Now, the confident 2024 French Open champion is set to face a rejuvenated Emma Raducanu in the third round of the Australian Open. The British has advanced to the third round for the first time in her career. Raducanu, who shot to fame as a teenager after winning a Grand Slam, was once seen as the future of women’s tennis and hailed as the next big star in the sport.
However, Raducanu’s journey since that remarkable triumph has been far from smooth. Her struggles with injuries and lack of consistency have hindered her rise, but she has made an impressive start at this year’s tournament. In the opening round, she overcame 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in two hard-fought tiebreak sets, followed by a thrilling win over her close friend Amanda Anisimova in the second round.
Raducanu dominated the first set but was trailing in the second before mounting a brilliant comeback to secure the match in straight sets. The 22-year-old now faces a formidable challenge in her quest for a place in the round of 16 as she prepares to take on a five-time Grand Slam champion.
tough test passed 📝@EmmaRaducanu outlasts Anisimova, 6-3, 7-5, for a spot in Round 3 at the #AusOpen for the first time! pic.twitter.com/fUKGw3lSWm
— wta (@WTA) January 16, 2025
Head-to-head
Iga Swiatek leads the head-to-head challenge between the two stars by 3-0. Their last encounter was last year at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, which the Polish star won in straight sets.
Past match surfaces: Clay (2022), hard (2023) and clay (2024)
Match Prediction
Raducanu reached Melbourne amid concerns about her fitness after withdrawing from the ASB Classic at the season’s start due to a back injury. She arrived at the Australian Open with little match practice, which was evident at times. In her second round, she was also on the back foot a few times but found a way to turn the tides in her favour.
Meanwhile, Swiatek faced no challenge as she eased into the third round, crushing Sramkova. She lost in the third round last year and will aim to avoid a repeat of the same. Raducanu has lost all three of her previous encounters against Swiatek, though she will be hoping that the Melbourne surface works to her advantage. However, given the five-time Grand Slam champion’s current form, Swiatek looks poised to maintain her perfect record against the British star.
When, where, and how to watch the Iga Swiatek vs Emma Raducanu in India?
Indian fans can tune in to see Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu face off in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open on the Sony Network. The live-action can also be streamed through the SonyLiv app.
Iga Swiatek faces Emma Raducanu in a blockbuster Australian Open third-round clash. Swiatek holds a 3-0 lead. Can Raducanu cause an upset? Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
