Although her next opponent is ranked 166 places below her, Swiatek will need to show significant improvements after producing another error-strewn performance to beat 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya 6-1 1-6 6-1.
The six-time Grand Slam champion cruised through the first set in 24 minutes, converting two of her three break points, but failed to hold serve in an equally one-sided second set. Her first-serve percentage dropped to 44% and she won just one point behind her first serve.
Although she recovered strongly, winning five consecutive games, the errors continued to flow, including back-to-back double faults, and she had to save three break points while serving for the match.
Her tally of 24 winners was outstripped by 29 unforced errors, having already amassed a combined 62 unforced errors in her previous two matches.
“It’s not surprising for me because I know Anna can play amazing tennis,” Swiatek said.
“I didn’t feel like I was playing worse in the second set. I feel like she played ‘in’ all of the balls that went out in the first.”
After paying tribute to Osaka in her on-court interview, Swiatek went on to ask the Australian crowd to continue to cheer for her as she tries to eliminate one of their own.
“Hopefully Naomi is well. She was playing great, I saw from the scores,” Swiatek added.
“It’s exciting to be in the fourth round again. Guys, hopefully you’re not going to be harsh on my playing an Australian. [There’s] a lot of Polish flags here, so please make it even.”
