‘Promise to go easy on me as I’m a bit old and fragile,’ Impressed with Iga Swiatek’s game, Andy Murray to practice with her on Grass


‘Promise to go easy on me as I’m a bit old and fragile,’ Impressed with Iga Swiatek’s game, Andy Murray to practice with her on Grass

Andy Murray and Iga Swiatek

Defending champion Iga Swiatek moved comfortably to the quarterfinals of the 2021 French Open yesterday after defeating Marta Kostyuk in straight sets during the night session in Paris. The Polish girl will now be looking to become the first woman after Justine Henin to defend her Roland Garros crown going ahead.

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Swiatek created history as a 19-year-old by winning the French Open singles title by defeating Sofia Kenin in straight sets. In the process, she became the first women player from Poland to win a Grand Slam title.

The eight-seed has already been in sparkling form on the clay this season. With 12 wins in 13 matches, he is arguably been the best player on the dirt. In fact, she is yet to drop a set in Paris. Such has been her dominance in the first four rounds, several experts have already billed her as the overwhelming favourite to win the title for the second time.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek

The Pole has now won 22 consecutive sets at Roland Garros going into her clash with Greek player Maria Sakkari in the quarters on Wednesday. Swiatek is also a fan of Rafael Nadal and has often been spotted talking and clicking pictures with the King of Clay. Earlier in the tournament, she was also seen practicing with the 13-time Champion.

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Swiatek & Murray to practice on grass?

Grass court

Now, former World No.1 Andy Murray too appears to be impressed by Swiatek’s game and talent. The Scot tweeted out saying he loves to see the young girl play on the clay. Former US Open winner Andy Roddick too showered praise on Swiatek. In response, Swiatek replied to Murray asking if he would be available to hit with her ahead of the grass season.

Murray is a two-time Champion at Wimbledon and will probably make his return to the tour as well at the All England Club later in the month. While Swiatek’s record on the dirt is impressive, she has to work on her grass game. She is yet to get past the first round at Wimbledon. Practicing ahead of the Championship with one of the best players on grass is probably what Swiatek needs ahead of the grass season.  

Also read: With eyes on the trophy and No.1 ranking, Daniil Medvedev first needs to tackle bitter-rival Stefanos Tsitsipas