History repeats itself for Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open. The Polish No.1 has been competing in Melbourne since 2019, and this year marks her seventh main draw appearance. So far, she’s reached the semifinals twice (in 2019 and 2025.) Now, the second seed is chasing her maiden crown and finds herself back in the quarterfinals. Yet, even with her elite ranking and polished reputation, Swiatek had a moment that Roger Federer would surely relate to.

On Monday, either before or after her match against home favorite Maddison Inglis, the Pole was spotted in the players’ lobby. Dressed in practice gear, she waited patiently, eyes fixed on her phone, for 1 minute and 56 seconds. Then, a member of her team appeared and handed her what she needed to get past the gate. Her ID card!

Yes, Swiatek was stopped because she didn’t have her accreditation on her. She had to wait before being allowed through. And it instantly brought back memories of Roger Federer in 2019.

Back then, the Swiss maestro, who already had six Australian Open titles to his name, faced the same situation. Like Iga, Federer didn’t make a fuss. He simply stopped, waited calmly at the entrance, and stayed put until a few members of his team caught up. Only then did security let him through, allowing him to head inside.

Rules are rules, after all. Everyone, players, coaches, officials, media, gets a lanyard holding a badge printed with their name, photo, tournament role, and a scannable bar code for security checks. And must be with them at all times inside the Arena.

Although it’s almost like Iga Swiatek may have manifested this moment for her! While not at the Australian Open, a similar incident occurred when Roger attempted to enter Wimbledon. However, he did not have his honorary membership card and wasn’t allowed inside. Even though he won 10 titles there and has a statue in his honor.

Last year, after winning her maiden Wimbledon title, Swiatek told The Guardian, “I wonder how it feels. I will be back for sure. I would love to. I have no idea how that works, though. I heard once Roger [Federer] wasn’t let in when he didn’t have a proper badge or something, so I would need to get ready.”

While there’s still time for things to take off at SW19, right now, Melbourne remains the top priority! On the other hand, it looks like Swiatek didn’t quite get her way during her R4 match on one other thing as well.

Iga Swiatek’s wish for the match schedule doesn’t get fulfilled

The debate over Monday’s Australian Open schedule turned out to be more eventful than expected. During a panel discussion at Melbourne Park, former champion Jim Courier shed light on the behind-the-scenes tension. Swiatek had a straightforward request: To play a day match. But that simple preference led to a lengthy back-and-forth.

“Swiatek wanted a day match,” Courier said. “The Australian network, which I also work for down here, desperately wanted to have an Australian playing in prime time. Because that’s what they pay the big money for. And it was a long drawn-out battle, I can tell you. It went to the wire. Eventually, Channel 9 got what they wanted and what the tournament also wants. And Iga [Swiatek] didn’t get what she wanted, but those are the backroom happenings here at tournaments like this.”

Sitting alongside him, WTA legend Lindsay Davenport offered a firm perspective, “You can’t let the inmates run the asylum. And every player has an opinion but eventually it’s a business and as Jim said, Australian TV should win.”

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Despite not getting her way, Iga Swiatek’s performance proved unfazed by the timing. Under the Melbourne lights, she dominated from start to finish, sealing a commanding 6-3, 6-0 victory. It was another authoritative display from the world No.2, earning her another quarterfinal at Melbourne Park.

Her next opponent is a familiar foe: Elena Rybakina. With a lead in their H2H at 6-5, Iga will be eager to put more space between them and reach her third semifinal. Will this be the year she makes it further? Share your thoughts in the comments below!