Melbourne, Jan 24 (NationPress) Russian player Anna Kalinskaya put up a solid challenge against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, but ultimately, Swiatek triumphed with a score of 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 at the Margaret Court Arena on Saturday, advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Swiatek quickly recovered from a shaky second set, securing the win in 1 hour and 44 minutes, as she continues her quest for a career Grand Slam.

The second-seeded Polish athlete started strong, establishing a commanding 5-1 lead with a double break and clinching the first set in a mere 24 minutes, showcasing her dominance over an off-form Kalinskaya, who required treatment for her lower back during the interval.

However, the dynamics shifted in the second set, with Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, losing her serve three times as Kalinskaya seized the opportunity and capitalized on multiple errors by the Pole.

After taking a medical timeout between the second and third sets, Swiatek returned with renewed intensity, winning five consecutive games to extinguish Kalinskaya's challenge.

Despite Kalinskaya’s commendable effort in holding serve and forcing Swiatek to defend three break points, it was not enough as the Polish player held on to secure the victory.

Swiatek, who has six Grand Slam titles, is aiming for a career Slam by winning the Australian Open. With a record of 25-7 at this tournament, this marks her sixth progression to at least the fourth round. Overall, her Grand Slam win-loss record now stands at 107-21.

The Polish star dominated the initial set with an impeccable service game, but Kalinskaya responded with a commanding 6-1 second set, serving confidently and asserting control with aggressive forehands. In the decisive set, Swiatek regained her authority, winning six consecutive games with powerful serves and relentless pressure to finalize the match. Despite Kalinskaya’s resilience and saved match points, the No. 2’s strength and composure proved crucial.

Next, Swiatek will face Maddison Inglis, the last home hopeful and remaining qualifier. Inglis, currently ranked World No. 168 and having saved two match points in her initial qualifying match against Leyre Romero Gormaz, advanced after Naomi Osaka withdrew due to a left abdominal injury.