Iga Swiatek Forced Into Mid-Match Kit Fix Following Skirt Issue At Australian Open

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 08:33 IST

Iga Swiatek battles discomfort with her On skirt and beats Yue Yuan at the Australian Open, aiming for her first Melbourne major title.

Iga Swiatek will take on Marie Bouzková in the second round of Australian Open (Picture credit: AP/Screengrab from X)

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek didn’t look in a great mood during her first-round encounter at the Australian Open on Monday against China’s Yue Yuan, as she struggled to adjust to her skirt and even ripped it from one side during a break.

On paper, Swiatek was the clear favourite to cruise past Yuan in the first round of the women’s singles at this year’s Melbourne major. But the reality, as it unfolded on Monday, was far from what was expected.

Swiatek’s skirt, made by Swiss sportswear brand On, appeared to cause discomfort on more than one occasion and, during a brief stoppage in the first set, she ripped it while seated on her courtside bench, frustrated with its fit.

Watch the video here:

In the women’s draw, Swiatek had to battle past Yuan. The Polish second seed, aiming to complete a career Grand Slam with her first Australian Open title, bagged a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win against her determined opponent.

“I was a bit rusty at the beginning, I did not really start well and she used the opportunity. But I knew if I could put the hard work in, I would play better. So that is what I tried to do from the middle of the first set," Swiatek said.

“I am happy that it worked. For sure, many ups and downs, I have some stuff to work on, so I will just focus on that," Swiatek added.

The win was a welcome boost for Swiatek, who lost her last two singles matches at the lead-up United Cup to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic.

But 35 unforced errors will be a worry against a player who had only made it past the first round once in 13 previous Major appearances.

News sports tennis Iga Swiatek Forced Into Mid-Match Kit Fix Following Skirt Issue At Australian Open

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