On the evidence of what Iga Swiatek showed across the first four rounds, it never truly felt like she would complete the career Grand Slam at this year’s Australian Open.
Swiatek’s bid for the clean sweep was ended by Elena Rybakina in the Melbourne quarter-finals, with the Kazakh fifth seed triumphing 7-5 6-1.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Swiatek’s serve has been far from solid during the tournament, the Pole having won fewer games with the ball than any other quarter-finalist and being broken the most times alongside Coco Gauff.
Swiatek changed her service technique during the off-season, but the 24-year-old has historically struggled against aggressive opponents on the quicker Melbourne courts.
And former Wimbledon champion Rybakina, known for her powerful game from the baseline, ruthlessly took advantage.
“I have some stuff I want to work on. It’s never been so flawless for me playing on these courts, as they are fast,” second seed Swiatek said.
Swiatek can already be ranked among the greats, having won six major titles across the three different surfaces.
