Iga Swiatek looks to reach the Australian Open final for the first time as she faces Madison Keys at the Rod Lever Arena in the women’s singles semi-finals this morning.
The Pole’s only appearance at stage of the tournament came in 2022 when she was beaten by Danielle Collins in straight sets. But, Swiatek is in fine form having beaten all of her opponents over two sets in this campaign including Emma Raducanu in the third round and Emma Navarro in the quarter-finals despite some controversy over a double bounce point.
Her opponent, Keys, also last reached the semi-finals in 2022 but was beaten by Ashleigh Barty who went on to win the tournament. Keys’s previous two outing saw her battle past Elena Rybakina in the fourth round then Elina Svitolina in the quarters. The American has had a tougher run but is a wiley competitior and should give Swiatek some trouble.
Before the duo took to court, reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2 in straight sets during the first semi-final of the day.
Follow the latest updates from the Australian Open semi-finals in our live blog below:
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 2-0 Iga Swiatek*
That could be a big moment for Keys. She’s starting to find a bit more rhythm in her game and the errors are less.
Swiatek gets lucky after clipping the tape and the ball drops onto Keys’ side of court.
A backhand across court from Keys lands in the net after Swiatek goes on the attack against the second serve.
Keys gets herself on the board by landing the first serve and draws level at 30-30 with a wonderful inside out forehand to the corner.
From there it’s simple enough to hold serve.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:33
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 5-7 1-0 Iga Swiatek
When Madison Keys is on song, she’s very good.
A driving volley pokes her nose in front in the first game of the second set and a return of serve to the body of Swiatek sets up a couple of break points.
She needs one. Swiatek goes long and was outclassed in that game.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:30
Australian Open: SET! Madison Keys 5-7 Iga Swiatek*
Can Iga Swiatek win the set or will Madison Keys force a tie break?
The pair trade points in the first couple of rallies from Keys’ next service game before Swiatek wildly smokes a return out of play.
A backhand down the line helps her come up court and Keys punts her return over the back.
That is insane. Swiatek steps inside the baseline then smokes a backhand to the top left corner from the middle of court. Keys has not answer.
Swiatek has another set point and this time she takes it!
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:25
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-6 Iga Swiatek
Swiatek regains her focus and puts in a couple of deep serves that Keys fails to return.
Swiatek is a quiet operator. A slight nod or glance to her coach shows you that she’s in control again.
A hold to love means she’s at least secured a tie break in the set.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:21
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-5 Iga Swiatek*
Iga Swiatek has already had a chance to close out this set which she missed.
It’s still quite a way back for Madison Keys and she needs to start with a hold of serve.
Twice Swiatek drills the ball into the top of the net and gives points away. She’s frustrated and a touch more energy is pushed into a backhand which flies long.
Oh no! A superb serve means Swiatek can only loft the ball back. Keys waits for it to bounce then smashes the ball into the net. 40-30.
The American isn’t affected by that miss. She shuffles over to the right and pings a forehand winner down the line!
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:18
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 4-5 Iga Swiatek
Swiatek saves the first couple of break points and gets drawn into a backhand rally.
She looks to switch it up but pushes a forehand too long.
Madison Keys breaks and the first set is back on serve!
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:14
Australian Open: Madison Keys 3-5 Iga Swiatek*
Madison Keys must break Swiatek here. She strides forward and drills the ball at her opponent who can;t get it over the net.
Keys has some momentum. She turns it on and steps into court and a forehand winner. 0-30.
Swiatek takes a moment to settle herself but to no avail.
Keys continues to bully her and now has three break points.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:12
Australian Open: Madison Keys 3-5 Iga Swiatek*
Iga Swiatek has an uncanny ability to press her advantage whenever she gets a lead.
Madison Keys has the task of reining her back in.
She’s doing an okay job. Swiatek is relentless with flicked forehands and rapid backhands.
Keys goes wide with a cross court shot and offers up a set point. Swiatek looks to win it with a driving backhand down the line but goes wide!
From deuce, Keys is superb on the serve and manages to hold.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:09
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 2-5 Iga Swiatek
There’s a few nerves around at 30-30 but Swiatek lands first serve to the backhand to move ahead.
Keys responds with a strong return and keeps the pressure on to force deuce.
This is a key moment in the match.
Swiatek looks to rise to it. A lovely weighted forehand scores her another winner before a serve down the T gives her control of the next rally.
Keys gets the return back but a forehand then dabbed volley follow up from Swiatek brings her the point and the game.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:05
Australian Open: Madison Keys 2-4 Iga Swiatek*
Now this is an opportunity. If Iga Swiatek can hold serve in this game she’ll be on the brink of winning the opening set.
She starts off poorly though with a double fault. Her next first serve lands and she positions herself in the middle of the baseline. Swiatek targets the Keys backhand and peppers it until the winner comes her way.
Keys then steps onto the front foot and drives Swiatek back before coming up to the net. Swiatek looks to hit over her and sends the ball out of play.
Mike Jones23 January 2025 11:02