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Staggering Steffi Graf Parallels Come to the Fore Following Iga Swiatek’s WTA Finals Mastery Over Jessica Pegula

Published 11/24/2023, 1:53 PM EST

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Iga Swiatek had a stellar run at Cancun, which sealed her first WTA Finals title. Considering her dominance of the WTA Tour, Swiatek’s playing style is now being compared to that of the legendary Steffi Graf. Earlier this year, the Polish sensation became the first player to win more than 20 sets with a scoreline of 6-0 in consecutive seasons since Steffi Graf and Monica Seles. Such astonishing achievements on the court and her humble off-court personality have drawn the attention of many, including former American ATP star Jan-Michael Gambill.

In the recently concluded WTA Finals, Iga Swiatek completely demolished Jessica Pegula. This win secured her sixth title of the season and 17th overall. Amidst the deserved praise coming her way, a flattering comparison with none other than the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Steffi Graf, has emerged.

Iga Swiatek’s dominance of the WTA Tour brings out Steffi Graf comparisons

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The world number 5 in women’s singles, Jessica Pegula was in tremendous form ahead of the final. The American star had made enormous progress this year, but nothing could stop the world No.1 from winning her first WTA Finals title in straight sets (6-1 6-0). In contrast to her dominant personality on the court, Swiatek is an introvert who loves to read books. Her low-key personality off the court often brings comparison with Graf. However, Iga Swiatek is a different person as soon as she steps onto the court. She is a fierce competitor, quite similar to the 54-year-old German legend. Being compared to the German star is certainly one of the biggest praise that can come a player’s way.

In the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, Jan-Michael Gambill, a former world No.14, compared the impressive dominance of Swiatek with that of Steffi Graf. He said, I mean the way she played against Pegula in that final (of the WTA Finals in Cancun). It was just like that’s just absolutely lights out tennis that makes me think of like Steffi Graf in the past just going out and rushing someone in the final. That is not easy to do against Pegula, who is one of the most consistent and solid players out there.” 

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Iga Swiatek had lost just 20 games at the season-ending championship, smashing the previous record of 32, set by Serena Williams. She had one of her best seasons this year and her dominance in the finals shows there’s a lot more waiting for her fans next year.

Swiatek has already set her targets for next year

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2024 is going to be an action-packed season for all the tennis lovers, especially for Swiatek fans. The first Grand Slam of the year is scheduled to take place from January 14. Iga Swiatek has won four Grand Slam titles in her career so far. But she failed to put her mark at Melbourne Park. Can she do it this time?

Well, Swiatek had already expressed her desire to win the Australian Open next year. The 22YO is now the pride of Poland and carries a lot of expectations of her fans whenever she steps inside a court. With the Paris Olympics knocking at the door, she will also look to erase the memories of the disappointing exit from Tokyo last time.

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Steffi Graf became the first tennis player to get the Golden Slam by winning the 4 Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same year. Can she emulate the stunning achievement of the German legend?

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Written by:

Sayantan Roy

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One take at a time

Tennis has been my passion since my childhood. My sheer love and enthusiasm for the racket sport has been a major influence in me wanting to build a career in sports journalism. Additionally, being a die-hard Real Madrid fan makes me more connected to my tennis idol-Rafael Nadal, who himself is a huge Los Blancos fan and a contender to become its next President.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas