"I'm slightly confused how the umpire didn’t see that" – Laura Robson on Iga Swiatek's double bounce controversy in Australian Open quarter-final

Iga Swiatek is through to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after an emphatic victory over Emma Navarro. It was another impressive performance from the Polish powerhouse as she continues her quest to secure another Grand Slam title and cement herself as world number one.

Despite her dominance, the match was not without controversy. Swiatek hit the ball after it had bounced twice, but the umpire failed to call it. The incident sparked debate over whether players should be allowed to challenge double bounces, an issue that continues to divide opinion in the sport.

Swiatek advances

Swiatek remains one of the favourites to win the title in Melbourne, taking another step closer after her quarter-final victory over Navarro. The world number one produced another clinical display, dispatching the American in a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win.

She is yet to drop a single set in the tournament. More impressively, she has conceded only 14 games throughout the event, the fewest since Maria Sharapova’s nine games in 2013.

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Her victory marked her seventh appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final. At 23 years old, she is the youngest player since Sharapova to achieve this milestone.

The quarter-final match lasted just 89 minutes, with Swiatek once again demonstrating her aggressive playstyle and exceptional consistency. She will now face Madison Keys in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises to be an exciting contest.

Swiatek spoke about her improved performance at this year’s tournament compared to previous editions.

"Honestly, I wasn't going so deep in Grand Slams so much except Roland Garros." Swiatek said. "For sure, now I'm happy I'm playing at my level here. Last year, my journey here finished in the fourth and third rounds, so I feel more confident now."

Swiatek's journey from last year’s early exit to this year’s semi-final is a testament to her resilience and determination, inspiring both fans and fellow players.

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The controversy

Iga Swiatek

As mentioned earlier, a contentious incident occurred when the umpire missed a clear double bounce during a rally. The moment sparked debate over whether players should have the ability to challenge double bounces, as only the umpire can currently make the call.

Eurosport’s Laura Robson weighed in on the controversy, expressing her concerns about the current system.

"It’s pronounced." Robson said on Eurosport. "I'm slightly confused how the umpire didn't see that. It is fast and in the heat of the moment, but it's right in front of the chair.

"I don't feel, in this situation, that it should be up to the players. Iga is coming in quickly; she might not necessarily feel it, and then Navarro stops that point in the middle because she's not allowed to challenge at the end of the point.

"So after she played this next shot, she was not allowed to go to the video review.

"I disagree with that. If we've got the video review, we should be able to use it whenever. You're leaving a lot up to the players to decide in the middle of the point when they can't see what's going on.

"Emma had a great perspective, saying that she couldn't see, asking the chair umpire straight after the point ended about the video review, and the answer was no.

"Navarro has such a good head on her shoulders that she just got on with it and didn't complain, but I know many players would have in that situation. It's silly not to use the technology when it's there."

Swiatek remains focused on the title

Despite the double bounce controversy, Swiatek remained composed throughout the match, continuing to assert her dominance as she eyes her first Australian Open title.

With flawless form and unmatched consistency, she is proving to be the player to beat in Melbourne. As she prepares for her semi-final clash against Madison Keys, Swiatek will be determined to maintain her momentum and take another step toward Grand Slam glory.

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