Iga Świątek’s departure from the 2025 Australian Open came as a surprise to many, particularly after her dominant start to the tournament, but it was Madison Keys who delivered the knockout blow in an exhilarating semi-final encounter.
Naturally, Polish fans felt disheartened seeing their star exit before a potential final showdown with Aryna Sabalenka—a match that had been eagerly anticipated. However, the reaction on social media was less sympathetic, with some observers expressing a sense of relief that the five-time Grand Slam champion was no longer the overwhelming favorite to capture yet another major title.
Świątek had been near unstoppable in Melbourne, losing just 13 games in her first five matches, and her comprehensive 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, had many believing she was building unstoppable momentum. Yet, Keys found a way to disrupt Świątek’s flow, taking the world No. 2 out of her comfort zone and eventually forcing her to crack in a tight third set.
“She pushed me when she needed to,” Świątek remarked after the match. “I think it was 50/50 because I think maybe I would have won it sometimes if I could win easy points with my serve as she did. She could always come back from being in trouble with the serve, but I didn’t serve as well. So maybe that would make a difference.”
The Polish star acknowledged that the match had been tight, particularly in the opening and final sets, where she felt she was playing at her best. “It was tight from the beginning,” Świątek continued. “I would say the first set and third set were where I felt like I was playing my tennis. Still, I think I played good, but she played better.”
These words showed Świątek’s maturity, but they may not have reached the broader audience she hoped for. Despite her accomplishments, Świątek has often struggled to capture the public’s imagination, both within and outside of the tennis world.
Though her playing career is nothing short of remarkable—already boasting five Grand Slam titles by the age of 23—Świątek has not attracted the same level of fame or media attention as some of her rivals. In an era where athletes with bold personalities often dominate the headlines, Świątek’s calm, efficient style hasn’t won her the same widespread appeal.
While she undoubtedly excels on the court, her quieter, more reserved demeanor off it seems to have hindered her popularity. Her sometimes awkward interactions with the media and her preference for privacy have drawn criticism, even though they are entirely within her right.
Swiatek’s decision to appear on Netflix’s Break Point was an attempt to increase her profile, but despite the intrigue surrounding her, her story doesn’t resonate as strongly with the public as the tales surrounding players like Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, or Raducanu.
Unlike Sabalenka, who frequently opens up about her personal life, including her relationships and friendships with fellow players, Świątek tends to keep her private life just that—private. While this choice is perfectly valid, it does create a distance between her and the fans who want to know more about the person behind the athlete.
Moreover, some of her on-court habits have drawn negative attention. Her timing during matches, such as her tendency to delay her opponent’s service game, often frustrates fans. This was evident during her semi-final against Keys when she appeared to practice shots during Keys’ service preparation, drawing boos from the crowd.
A similar situation unfolded at Wimbledon the previous year, when Świątek took an extended comfort break during a match with Yulia Putintseva. When she finally returned to the court, she took her time to get ready, which led to an increasingly hostile atmosphere as the crowd began to rally behind Putintseva. The Russian player ultimately pulled off an upset win, with the crowd’s support clearly fueling her momentum.
The same dynamic played out during the Australian Open semi-final, where Keys’ winners were cheered more passionately than Świątek’s. This type of reaction has been seen before, particularly with Novak Djokovic, who has often faced similar challenges in winning over fans. His crime? Being perhaps just a little too good—too efficient in his pursuit of victory, leaving little room for the kind of dramatic entertainment that fans often crave.
While Djokovic may never fully win over all the spectators who prefer a more charismatic or flashy style of play, Świątek still has time to shift public opinion in her favor. However, her popularity remains lagging behind her incredible achievements on the court. It’s a reminder that, in the modern sports world, the admiration of fans doesn’t always correlate with a player’s success.