World number 1 Iga Swiatek admits she’s “quite sad” never to have played against Serena Williams as she thinks the 23-time Grand Slam player is a very inspiring person.
Serena Williams is expected to retire from professional action at this year’s US Open. Williams will be considered one of the greatest players in tennis history, while 21-year-old Swiatek is seen as someone who has the potential to become a great player.
In recent years, Williams has focused on several things, and not just tennis. After retiring, she will only focus on her family and business.
Swiatek says what Williams has been able to do and accomplish is inspirational. “It’s sad that I couldn’t play against her. Maybe I’ll get the chance,” Swiatek told WTA insider.
“To be able to do business and tennis at the same time, but also be a mother and make four Slam finals, it’s amazing. I would be happy to have this belief that maybe I can do it.”
???? @iga_swiatek on Serena: “Rather sad that I couldn’t play against her. Maybe I’ll get the chance. Being able to do business and tennis at the same time, but also being a mother and doing four Slam finals, it’s incredible.
“I would have been happy to have that belief and to think to myself maybe I can do it.” pic.twitter.com/JLW42c9g1V — wta (@WTA) August 10, 2022
Swiatek wins his first summer game on hard court
On Wednesday, she kicked off her hard-court summer with a 6-1 6-2 victory over Ajla Tomljanovic in the second round of the National Bank Open in Toronto.
Although Swiatek was only playing her first game on hard courts, she looked almost flawless, with Tomljanovic not having a chance. “I’m quite happy to have been able to play my best tennis.
It was the first game, so it’s never easy,” Swiatek said. “But I feel like I found my rhythm and it was a pretty solid performance.
From the first practice I played here, I felt really good. And even though there was the jet lag and I was coming back from clay, I felt like I was in good shape.”
Swiatek has been the most dominant player on hard court this year, winning her last 18 matches on the surface.
