“She does remind me a little bit of Steffi Graf,” Former British No.1 compares Iga Swiatek’s intensity on court with another generational talent

Swiatek ended the clay court season with 21 wins and only one loss.


“She does remind me a little bit of Steffi Graf,” Former British No.1 compares Iga Swiatek’s intensity on court with another generational talent

L-R: Steffi Graf, Annabel Croft, and Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

Former British No.1 Annabel Croft made significant comparisons between Iga Swiatek and Steffi Graf, noting their similar intensity on the court. Graf, a trailblazer in the tennis world, played a key role in transforming women’s tennis into what it is today.

Recently, Swiatek broke numerous records by winning the 2024 Roland Garros setting up some outstanding numbers against the rest of the tour. The Pole has beaten every player on tour and ended her win streak with a record of 21-1, losing to only Elena Rybakina in the semis of the Stuttgart Open.

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In a recent interview on Sky Sports, Annabel Croft had high praises for Swiatek, who was impressed with the Pole’s on-court demeanor, and says it is reminiscent of the kind of form Steffi Graf brought to the court when she was playing.

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She does remind me a little bit of Steffi Graf when she was at her height people used to say she was like carrying a briefcase around the court with her the way that she was marching in between points and the way setting the tone, big forehand winners and hitting winners left, right and center and there’s a lot about the way that she had that intensity on the court.

Annabel Croft said via Sky Sports

Swiatek finished the clay season on a high, winning two consecutive Masters tournaments followed by a win in the French Open. After a slight struggle in the second round at the Clay Major, Swiatek has been unstoppable, losing only 17 games for the rest of the tournament.

Iga Swiatek enters the same league as Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert with a win in the French Open

Last Week Polish pro Iga Swiatek won her fifth Grand Slam at Roland Garros with some impressive tennis. This was her third consecutive win in Paris and a fourth overall. However, what was most impressive was that the 22-year-old won the three-consecutive French Open titles being the number one ranked player, becoming only the fourth person to do so.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Image via Imago)

With that win, Swiatek joined the likes of Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert, all legends of the game. However, she does not want to be compared with anyone and prefers to sail alone.

They're really impressive and I know their records, but I'm not comparing myself to anybody. I look at their story as separate, their story and it's really impressive and inspiring. 
Iga Swiatek said via Roland Garros Press

Now, the Pole gears up for the grass season and might be back on the court in time for Wimbledon. She did miss the tournament in Berlin but hopes to get to 100% before the Grand Slam and get to her best run on the surface.

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