World No.2 Iga Swiatek has moved one step closer to ending her title drought at the Australian Open after wrapping up a straightforward but controversial quarter-final win over Emma Navarro on Wednesday.
The five-time grand slam winner breezed to a 6-1 6-2 victory that was helped along by a double-bounce incident in the second set.
Swiatek held for a 3-2 lead despite video evidence suggesting she failed to get to a mid-rally drop shot before the ball had hit the court for a second time.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
Navarro questioned the umpire immediately after Swiatek had later hit the winner — but the American’s decision to play out the point meant there would be no review.
The rules around reviews left many confused, with even commentators baffled by the lack of a second look at the request of Navarro or the umpire.
“That’s a double bounce, isn’t it? That’s clearly a double bounce. So, why didn’t Emma Navarro ask for a review?” Sam Smith said on Nine commentary.
Nick Lester on AO commentary said: “Navarro, understandably here, is questioning whether this was a double bounce. She has the video review but she’s not opting to use it.”
Daniela Hantuchova felt “even Iga was not so sure” but Swiatek stayed out of Navarro’s discussions with the umpire.
“Emma Navarro went and asked the question, I think the reply was that ‘you would have needed to stop (the point) immediately’. If you don’t stop play then you can’t go back,” Nicole Pratt said, assessing the situation correctly before calling for change.
“At the same time that’s why we’ve got the video review. That was clear — it bounced before Swiatek hit it.”
Navarro failed to win another game afterwards as Swiatek broke the American to wrap up the win.
“She might be starting to melt here in the white heat of Iga Swiatek,” Smith said.
“Do you feel (Navarro) hasn’t let it go, the double bounce? She’s a hard one to read.”
In a post-match interview shortened to allow Swiatek to rest ahead of a short turnaround to Thursday’s semi-final, the Polish superstar said the win was “much tougher” than the score suggested.
“Emma is a fighter. I knew she’s not going to pull back,” Swiatek said.
“I wanted to stay focused until the end and keep my intensity.
“At the end, I’m happy that I won the tight games. This is what made a difference.
“I’m really happy with the tournament overall, being in the semis is great. Now I’ll push for more.”
She will face another American for a spot in the final, after Madison Keys triumphed over Elina Svitolina in Wednesday’s earlier match.