
via Getty
Iga Swiatek, the Pole star, won her third Grand Slam championship after defeating Tunisian Ons Jabeur in straight sets {6-2, 7-6} / Courtesy: Getty Images

via Getty
Iga Swiatek, the Pole star, won her third Grand Slam championship after defeating Tunisian Ons Jabeur in straight sets {6-2, 7-6} / Courtesy: Getty Images
What makes a great tennis match? Is it the caliber of players on the court? Or is it the brand of tennis being displayed by the stars? Iga Swiatek, the current WTA world no.1, certainly thinks it is the latter. Throughout her career, she has been open about her admiration of the ‘Big Three’, especially Nadal. That trend certainly seems to be continuing, as she stated that WTA players should follow the ATP legends’ examples to improve their game.
In a press conference during the Madrid Open, the Polish sensation stated that every player should closely monitor the playing style of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Iga Swiatek lauds the technique of ATP greats
Being the WTA number 1 makes Swiatek an approachable figure for interviews. She attended a press conference in the capital of Spain for the Madrid Open. Since the dawn of her career, players with aggressive counterattacking moves were at the top, particularly in ATP Tour. Thus, Swiatek discussed how the game is now changing in the WTA Tour as well.

via Imago
March 16, 2023, INDIAN WELLS, UNITED STATES: Iga Swiatek of Poland talks to the media after the quarter-final of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open WTA, Tennis Damen 1000 tennis tournament INDIAN WELLS UNITED STATES – ZUMAa181 20230316_zaa_a181_161 Copyright: xRobxPrangex
Swiatek said the game had shifted to aggressive attacking a while ago and gave the example of Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, who always played aggressively. She said, “Well, but also there was Naomi, right, and Serena who played pretty strong game“.
Furthermore, the three-time Grand Slam champion said that the physical prowess of the WTA players has definitely improved. The defending French Open champion believes that the pace and physicality of the game have seen vast advancements. She gave the examples of Nadal and Djokovic to explain how WTA players should fashion their playing style to taste success on the tour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
She said, “But I would say, you know, having both things combined and being able to do both, like, I don’t know, Rafa or Novak, they can play great in defense and, you know, kind of be patient and also they can attack well. I think this should be the goal of every tennis player. You know, that’s why we are kind of working on both, but for sure there are many girls right now who are playing fast serve and fast first ball.”
Swiatek on the consistency of WTA players
In 2020, Swiatek had recently stepped up to the big leagues in the WTA. As a novice player, she had found one issue that was lacking among herself and her compatriots. She felt that there was a grave lack of consistency in women’s tennis. In an interview, Swiatek stated that players in the WTA should aim to be more consistent, like the ‘Big Three’.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story – Billionaire Roger Federer Leaves No Stone Unturned to Give Tennis a New Edge as He Vehemently Promotes Extremely Popular Sneaker Brand
Ever since the start of her career, Swiatek has aimed for consistency in her game. This progress has helped her reach the top at the age of 21 and has paved a glorious road to her future. With three Grand Slam titles already under her name, Swiatek would like to walk the talk and secure many more major trophies in her career. Can she do it? Who will be her biggest rival in the coming years?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT