History repeats itself for Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open. The Polish star has been competing in Melbourne since 2019, and this year marks her eighth main draw appearance. So far, she’s reached the semifinals twice (in 2022 and 2025). Now, the second seed is chasing her first title and finds herself back in the quarterfinals. Yet, even with her elite ranking and polished reputation, Swiatek had a moment that Roger Federer would surely relate to.

On Monday, either before or after her match against home favorite Maddison Inglis, Swiatek was spotted in the players’ lobby. Dressed in practice gear, she waited patiently, eyes fixed on her phone, for 1 minute and 56 seconds. A member of her team then appeared and handed her what she needed to get past the gate: her accreditation!

Yes, Swiatek was stopped because she didn’t have her ID card, and she was made to wait. This instantly brought back memories of Roger Federer in 2019.

Back then, the Swiss maestro, who already had six Australian Open titles to his name, faced the same situation. Like Swiatek, Federer didn’t make a fuss. He stopped, waited calmly at the entrance, and stayed put until a few members of his team caught up. Only then did security let him through, and he headed in.

Rules are rules, after all. Everyone, including players, coaches, officials, and media, gets a lanyard with a badge printed with their name, photo, tournament role, and a scannable bar code for security checks. And it must be with them at all times inside the Arena.

It’s almost like Swiatek may have manifested this moment for her! While not at the AO, a similar incident reoccurred when Federer attempted to enter Wimbledon in 2022. He didn’t have his honorary membership card and wasn’t allowed in, even though he won eight Wimbledon titles.

“I wonder how it feels, I will be back for sure,” Swiatek told The Guardian after winning her first Wimbledon title. “I would love to. I have no idea how that works, though. I heard once Roger [Federer] wasn’t let in when he didn’t have a proper badge or something, so I would need to get ready.”

While there’s still time for things to take off at SW19, Melbourne remains the top priority! However, the credential issue wasn’t the only off-court battle Swiatek faced.

Iga Swiatek’s wish for the AO match schedule doesn’t get fulfilled

The debate over Monday’s AO schedule turned out to be more eventful than expected. During a panel discussion at Melbourne Park, former champion Jim Courier shed light on the behind-the-scenes tension. Iga Swiatek had a straightforward request: To play a day match, but that simple preference led to a lengthy back-and-forth.

“The Australian network, which I also work for down here, desperately wanted to have an Australian playing in prime time,” Courier said. “Because that’s what they pay the big money for, and it was a long, drawn-out battle, I can tell you. It went to the wire. Eventually, Channel 9 got what they wanted and what the tournament also wants. And Iga didn’t get what she wanted, but those are the backroom happenings here at tournaments like this.”

Sitting alongside him, WTA legend Lindsay Davenport offered a firm perspective.

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“You can’t let the inmates run the asylum, and every player has an opinion, but eventually it’s a business, and as Jim said, Australian TV should win,” Davenport continued.

Despite not getting her way, Iga Swiatek’s performance appeared to be unfazed by the timing. Under the Melbourne lights, she dominated from start to finish, sealing a commanding 6-0, 6-3 victory. It was another authoritative display from the world No. 2, earning her another quarterfinal at Melbourne Park.

Swiatek’s next opponent is a familiar foe: Elena Rybakina.

The last time they faced each other was at the WTA Finals in 2025. Rybakina won the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.

However, with a lead in their H2H at 6-5, Swiatek will be eager to put more space between them and reach her third semifinal.