Iga Swiatek has kicked off her 2025 Australian Open campaign with the dominance we’ve come to expect from the World No. 2. In the third round, Swiatek delivered a masterclass against Emma Raducanu, dismantling the Brit 6-1, 6-0 and officially opening “The Iga Swiatek Bakery” with bagels and breadsticks on full display. This commanding win showcased her ability to bounce back from earlier setbacks and solidified her as a title favorite in Melbourne.

Her Australian Open run follows an impressive performance at the United Cup in Sydney. Representing Poland, Swiatek posted an incredible 12-1 singles record, leading her nation to their second consecutive final.

In the championship match, she faced Coco Gauff, who edged her out 6-4, 6-4 in a closely contested battle. Reflecting on the loss, Swiatek said, “I couldn’t give 100% in that match with Coco. Obviously, she earned it… I would like to play [her] again when I’m more fit and ready to run.”

The remarks sparked various reactions among tennis fans. What did they say?

Fans react to Iga Swiatek’s remarks on rivalry with Coco Gauff

Several fans on X expressed their displeasure with Iga Swiatek’s unsportsmanship-like comments.

One user commented, “Acting like a sore loser. This is the second time in a row you’ve lost to Coco. The funny thing is she beat Raducanu knowing full well she’s only just coming back to full fitness herself but you wouldn’t see her using that as an excuse for losing”

One fan opined, “Coco was just better lol”.  Another fan quipped, “And when Coco beats you again, then what?? Y’all would have eaten coco alive if she said this btw”

For Coco Gauff, the victory was another feather in her cap as she flipped the script on her rivalry with Swiatek.The 20-year-old improved her head-to-head record against Swiatek to 3-11. The American tennis star achieved two consecutive victories that shifted the dynamic of their competition. She now boasts two consecutive wins against the Pole, including one at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last year where she dominated the game 6-3,6-4. A tournament where she went onto clinch the title.

Talking about her rivalry with the World No.2 the former US Open champion said, “I never really focus on it [head to head] except maybe her. If you play someone and lose so many times, you have that thought in your head,” she said. “It [now] definitely gives me more confidence on court against her.”

One fan expressed his dislike by saying,“See, these are the type of answers I don’t like. It is never a situation where she says too good my opponent was better that day.”

The 23-year-old’s sportsmanship came into question at the United Cup as she drew attention for her frosty handshake after the final match. Swiatek’s brief and seemingly irritated handshake left fans speculating about tension between the two.

Speaking about the controversy Gauff said, “Obviously, we had a moment but, no, we talked about it afterwards, and it was nothing personal.”

Now, both players are poised for deep runs in Melbourne. Swiatek will face Eva Lys in round four, while Gauff takes on Belinda Bencic. If they both progress, an ultimate semifinal showdown could be in the cards.

Will Swiatek reclaim her dominance, or is Gauff ready to rewrite the rivalry for good?