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Iga Swiatek reveals 'goal for this season' after sparkling in Australian Open 2026 second-round win against Marie Bouzkova

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Iga Swiatek rolled into the Australian Open third round with relative ease as she downed Marie Bouzkova in straight sets, 6-2 6-3. The world No. 2 largely dictated the tempo of the second-round clash on John Cain Arena, dominating the baseline exchanges, and showed a marked improvement on her opening-round victory against Yue Yuan. Swiatek meets Anna Kalinskaya in the third round.

Swiatek gives 'honest' assessment of victory as she reaches third round

Video credit: TNT Sports

Iga Swiatek said her goal for the 2026 campaign is to "unplug" from the pressures of being at the top of the sport in order to "have more energy till the end of the season".

Swiatek made tough work of her Australian Open first-round win over Yue Yuan, but the world No. 2 was far more sturdy on John Cain Arena on Thursday - dismissing Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-3 to reach the third round.

Speaking in her post-match press conference, Swiatek spoke about her plans to find a better "balance" in order to preserve her elite levels throughout the lengthy tennis season.

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"Actually it's my goal for this year," Swiatek said. "To even go somewhere and just rest and not do anything because I tend to do other stuff, like off-court obligations.

"Obviously there is stuff that needs to be done. I also take quite a lot on my shoulders.

"My goal for this season is actually to unplug a bit better. Hopefully I'm going to have more energy till the end of the season."

Highlights: Clinical Swiatek overcomes Bouzkova to reach third round

Video credit: TNT Sports

Swiatek added: "The thing is that when you're playing well, you also have a lot of stuff to do off the court.

"It's not like you're just a tennis player. If you're going to play tennis well, you are going to be kind of a celebrity. You know, bigger or smaller, you can choose that.

"But there's a lot of stuff to do, as well. It's not like we finish tournament and that's it.

"So I guess you need to find balance with that, as well, because you also want to be fulfilled in that part of your career.

"Then obviously find proper time to rest and have good time off."

It has been a positive start to 2026 for Swiatek, who dominated the baseline exchanges in the opening set against Bouzkova, and was equally emphatic when pulled to the net.

The Polish six-time Grand Slam champion broke first, and despite being pegged back following a 17-point battle which temporarily put the opening set back on serve, she pounced again to restore her lead, charging to take the opener in 38 minutes.

Relative to her strong start, Swiatek temporarily fell into the habits of her laboured first-round victory when unforced errors began to rear their head - with Bouzkova breaking to 15 and running into a 3-1 lead.

Watch controversial call as Swiatek accused of 'hindrance' in very strange incident

Video credit: TNT Sports

Swiatek, though, would ensure the set returned to serve. She spurned two break-point opportunities to break level at 3-3, but remained level-headed to break after deuce - and continued her positive momentum.

Holding for 4-3, Swiatek then took the break advantage, again on deuce - thumping home her returns to put Bouzkova on the back foot.

A delightful cross-court backhand in the left service box left Bouzkova rooted, and Swiatek with the opportunity to serve for the match.

A competitive Bouzkova pushed her counterpart all the way to deuce in hope of extending her afternoon and campaign in Melbourne.

But ultimately she succumbed to what seemed an inevitable conclusion - Swiatek kissing the baseline with a neat forehand approach to wrap up victory on her third match point.

Swiatek meets Anna Kalinskaya in the third round.

Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+

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