Iga Swiatek doesn't agree with the claim that this year's court at the Australian Open is slower and that the balls are heavier.
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On Friday, Jessica Pegula - who upset the Pole in last year's US Open quarterfinal - exited the Happy Slam in the third round following a shock 7-6 (3) 6-1 defeat to 55th-ranked Olga Danilovic.
Later in her presser, the American tennis star complained that the court and balls played a big part in why she was unable to play her game.
"Conditions were so slow. It was slower than a clay court, it felt like. The balls were so heavy, and that totally I think favored [Olga] for sure," the world No. 6 after losing to Danilovic.
Swiatek: I haven't noticed them being slower
On Saturday, the world No. 2 annihilated Emma Raducanu 6-1 6-0 to safely progress into the Australian Open round-of-16.
Following the match, a reporter stated that some players have complained about the balls and court at Melbourne Park this year and asked the 23-year-old Pole if she felt anything differently compared to previous years.
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I havent noticed them being slower. For me theyre fast. I remember last year, newer balls felt like bullets and you couldn't control them," Swiatek explained.
"I dont feel that this year. But still they are really dynamic and they are bouncing on the court pretty fast... I wouldnt say theres much difference."
Meanwhile, it has been so far, so good, for the five-time Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open this year since she has dropped a total of 10 games across her opening three matches.
In the next round, Swiatek will battle against lucky loser Eva Lys, who is one of the best stories of this year's tournament.
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The Pole beat the world No. 128 in their lone meeting in 2022 Stuttgart and she is again the heavy favorite to win.
