It was far from flawless, yet Iga Swiatek found a way to survive her opening test at the 2026 Australian Open, edging qualifier Yuan Yue 7-6(5), 6-3. The world No. 2 leaked 34 unforced errors, and the discomfort lingered in Melbourne, where restricted movement in her skirt visibly disrupted her rhythm, turning a routine opener into something a little less routine.

Early on, Swiatek was visibly uncomfortable on court. Her movement lacked its usual sharpness, and she struggled to glide into shots. The issue appeared to stem from her skirt, which seemed tight and restrictive, limiting her range of motion during rallies.

In an unusual moment, Swiatek attempted a quick fix between points. During a break, Swiatek was seen attempting to rip the skirt down one side. The garment appeared to be too tight, forcing her to tear the left side to create more space to move. She then stood up, tested out her handiwork, and looked satisfied with the results before sitting back down.

The improvised solution appeared to work. Swiatek moved more freely and began to dictate play. Her footwork improved, and her shot selection became cleaner. From that point on, she gained the upper hand and saw out the second set to secure her place in the next round.

Reflecting on the match, Swiatek admitted the start was difficult. “I was a bit rusty at the beginning, didn’t really start well,” said Swiatek. “But I knew if I put in the hard work, I will play better so that’s what I tried to do. I’m happy that it worked, many ups and downs. There are things to work on,” she later added.

Swiatek is the first women’s player sponsored by On and has represented the brand since March 2023. On also sponsors players like Ben Shelton, João Fonseca, and Flavio Cobolli at the Australian Open, though Cobolli exited in round one.

The brand’s kit choices have drawn mixed reactions as Swiatek’s outfit was criticized online after its release. Fans questioned both the design and functionality, seemingly vindicated after today. 

Swiatek next faces Marie Bouzková, with questions lingering over whether she will change her outfit.

And beyond the issues with her skirt, it was far from a convincing first-round performance, and her tight start may also have been influenced by a deliberate lack of familiarity with her opponent.

Iga Swiatek avoided studying the tough Australian Open draw before the opening round

Before entering the Australian Open main draw, Iga Swiatek showed uneven form. She won her first three matches at the United Cup. Then she suffered back-to-back defeats to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic. Those losses highlighted that work remains as the season’s first major unfolds.

Despite that, Swiatek kept her approach simple. Even before facing Yuan Yue on Rod Laver Arena, she avoided thinking ahead. Unusually, she refused to look at the draw. She preferred to focus only on the match in front of her.

Top Stories

Rafael Nadal Sets Boundary With Reporter During Australia Exit as Security Steps In

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws From Next Tournament Just After Winning the Australian Open

John McEnroe Lashes Out After Fan Pushes for Photo in Awkward Scene: “Go F*** Yourself”

Toni Nadal Reignites Era Debate by Calling Carlos Alcaraz “Lucky”

Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula & Other Top Stars Add to Qatar Open Withdrawals as Concerns Mount

Her honesty surprised reporters. “I’m not looking at the draw, so thanks for the heads up,” Swiatek told reporters, to their disbelief. She doubled down immediately. “No, it’s not a joke, I’m literally not doing that. So please don’t spoil it for me, I want to be surprised after every match.”

When pressed further, she stayed firm. The six-time Grand Slam champion made her position clear. “No, because I didn’t know [the draw]. That’s it. I think you guys are thinking more about it.” 

Next comes Marie Bouzkova in the second round on January 21. Swiatek leads their H2H 2-0. A win would move her deeper into the tournament. It would also begin to raise the level of difficulty.

The projected third-round test could be 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya. Beyond that, the challenge increases sharply. The margins narrow. The pressure rises with every round.

A potential fourth-round clash with two-time champion Naomi Osaka looms. That could be followed by a quarter-final against 2023 finalist Elena Rybakina. The path, on paper, is demanding and unforgiving.

If Swiatek reaches the semi-finals, another tough hurdle may await. Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova, who defeated her at last year’s US Open, could stand in her way.

Beyond that lies the ultimate test. A maiden Australian Open final could mean facing Coco Gauff or top seed Aryna Sabalenka. And as Swiatek moves forward one match at a time, the question remains whether she can dig deep and finally conquer Melbourne.