Iga Swiatek falls short of the Career Slam at Melbourne

Well it didn't go the way we wanted even though Iga had plenty of chances in the first set with Rybakina serving below 50 percent and clearly feeling nervous. 

Once she relaxed more the aces started to flow and that was pretty much it. 

I will always be left wondering what would have happed had Iga kept that first game break she had and won that first set. 

It might have gone 3 or Iga might have actually won the match being such a great front runner. 

Sadly we'll never know and the Career Grand Slam will have to wait another year. 

While online aka "couch expert" debates rage on about Iga needing to change her coach and firing her sports psychologist, I'm actually feeling encouraged with her post match press comments. 

I'm also encouraged that she's sticking with playing less WTA 1000 tournaments this year. 

It'll be interesting to see which ones she skips (something tells me it won't be the Middle East since she loves the conditions there). 

My bet would be on Indian Wells or Miami.

At the moment her game is very clearly a work in progress, she is changing things but as she herself admits for her it's a slow process and will take time. 

As she says not everyone is Carlos Alcaraz who can change his serve motion every year and have it be a success. 

I think all of us Iga fans got so spoiled with Iga being dominant for so long and winning everything. 

Well the game and other players have evolved Iga's game is going through a period of transition in order to adjust, but I truly believe she'll get there. 

I think like Iga herself the fans will just have to be patient.

Till then we'll support and enjoy things as they are, because they will get better.

Thank you for your efforts Iga.

Stay strong, trust the process and see you in the Middle East.

Jazda!.

Honestly this entire tournament has been a total dud with so many straight set wins on both men's and women's side of the draw. 

I find myself once again rooting for and counting on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to go through and bring some excitement on the last Sunday in the finals. 

Because Sabalenka vs Rybakina just doesn't do it for me (sorry WTA).