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‘Serena Didn’t Play With Anywhere Near This Much Topspin’ – Former American Tennis Player Talks About Iga Swiatek’s Unique Game

Published 05/19/2022, 6:06 AM EDT

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via Reuters

World no.1 Iga Swiatek is currently the best WTA player in the world, without a question. Her game has evolved drastically since last year, as she became more consistent with every passing event. And after Ashleigh Barty retired, there was simply no one stopping her.

USA Today via Reuters

The way she is performing in every tournament, no one can question her being the new queen. Recently, many former players and experts talked about her game and how unique it is.

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Patrick McEnroe compared Iga Swiatek with Serena Williams

In the recent Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe podcast, the former American player talked a great deal about Swiatek’s forehands and backhands. According to him, she generates an incredible amount of topspin and pace (probably inspired by her idol, Rafael Nadal), which he has never seen before from any player on the women’s side. 

“When I saw her play… couple of years ago, I was like I haven’t seen any women player hit with that much spin and pace, more importantly, spin… Obviously, Serena did it all, but Serena didn’t play with anywhere near this much topspin and acceleration of the racket that this woman plays with,” McEnroe said about Iga, as she compared her game with Serena’s.

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“Not only the forehand… this person, Iga Swiatek, gets it on like every shot, and the backhand, too. I mean the backhand is a little flatter, but it’s just remarkable the speed of racket she can generate and then get those RPM on her shots. And now, she is finding, you know, sort of her comfort zone and consistency because she’s a remarkable athlete and moves incredibly well,” he further added. 

Also, the former American player thought Iga will be the favorite to win the French Open, by a distant margin. As per him, even if Iga doesn’t play her best game, she might still win the French Open. 

Swiatek is the clear favorite to win at Roland Garros

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Not only McEnroe, but many other experts also believe that Iga is the overwhelming favorite to win the French Open. In 2020, Iga won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in a dominant fashion, despite being inexperienced at the time. 

Now, the things have changed for better as she is on an incredible winning streak. Notably, the Pol is yet to lose a single match since the Qatar Open and is on a 28-match unbeaten run. After winning the Qatar Open, she has won every tournament she has played in, five to be exact. Now, she is vying for her 6th back-to-back title at the French Open and her second Major. 

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Watch This Story: Rise of a superstar – Iga Swiatek’s victorious moments from the WTA tour

Can anybody stop Swiatek at the French Open? Let us know in the comments.

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Debkinkar Maity

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Debkinkar Maity is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. His desire to become a sports journalist inspired him to take up a degree in journalism and mass communication, and he hasn't looked back ever since. Following the sport for over a decade now, Debkinkar has an ardent love for Roger Federer.
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