World No. 1 Iga Swiatek says she felt the pressure and needed to “chill” after suffering a stunning exit in the Australian Open last 16 on Sunday.
The Pole came into Melbourne Park as a red-hot favourite for the first Grand Slam of the year, but was overpowered in straight sets by Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina at Rod Laver Arena.
The 21-year-old Swiatek admitted she buckled under the weight of expectation as her dream of a fourth major crown – but first in Australia —was shattered.
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“Well, for sure, past two weeks have been pretty hard for me,” a downcast Swiatek told reporters.
“I felt today that I don’t have that much left to fight even more.
“I felt like I took a step back in terms of how I approach these…
