Sat Jan 18 12:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Swiatek Crushes Raducanu in Australian Open Third Round
**Melbourne, Australia** – Iga Swiatek delivered a dominant performance, dismantling Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-0 in the Australian Open third round. The match, which lasted a mere 70 minutes, marked the joint-heaviest defeat of Raducanu’s career.
Swiatek, the world number two, showcased her superior skill and athleticism, consistently overpowering Raducanu’s baseline game. Raducanu struggled against Swiatek’s powerful topspin and lost serve five times. The Polish player remains undefeated in the tournament, having not dropped a set or a service game thus far.
Raducanu, who acknowledged her own poor performance alongside Swiatek’s excellence, admitted the pressure of the match significantly impacted her serve and overall game. This defeat marks the second time Raducanu has only won one game in a professional match.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Raducanu highlighted the positive aspects of her Australian Open run, considering it a career-best, given her recent injury recovery and limited preparation. She had only resumed hitting balls three weeks prior to the tournament due to a back injury.
Swiatek’s victory underscores the significant gap between the two players, who both won Grand Slam titles as teenagers but have followed vastly different career paths since. Swiatek continues her strong form, aiming for a deep run in Melbourne, while Raducanu focuses on her ongoing recovery and return to peak performance.
First Piper 