But grass at its slickest does not agree with surreal talent like Swiatek and on a searing Court One, the ever-wowing Pole unspooled under relentless pressure from Putintseva who regathered herself after dropping the opening set to counter-attack in ways that eluded her opponent.
But having been the hunter in set two — Swiatek’s deliveries were sizzling prematurely from some three feet behind the baseline with Williams imprinting at their heel, entirely unbowed by what had come prior to that point — it was she who became prey.
Putintseva broke twice in the second and then a further two times in the third before taking set to book her place on Rod Laver Arena where she will play Jelena Ostapenko.
The fans, who appeared to have turned with the tide in the second set backing Putintseva instead, cheered her to Court One and she broke again at 15 when Swiatek netted a backhand return on match point leaving a huge smile stretched out across Putintseva’s face.
