Is Iga Swiatek the favorite at Guadalajara? Read what Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert had to say


Is Iga Swiatek the favorite at Guadalajara? Read what Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert had to say

Iga Swiatek

Polish sensation Iga Swiatek stunned the world by winning the French Open last year. Ever since then, she has risen up the ranks and has been one of the most consistent player on the WTA tour. She is the only female player on tour to reach the second week of major this season.

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But off late, she hasn’t been able to produce good results. She has managed to clear opening hurdles successfully but hasn’t made it till the very end. She enters Guadalajara as the fifth seed and will fancy her chances on the fast hard courts.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova spoke to WTA ahead of the tournament and said that this year’s playing field is a tight one. She opined that big hitting will be key this week and Barbora Krejcikova or Iga Swiatek will start as the favorite.

“A good technique is at a premium because every mistake is magnified. I think people that hit more topspin will have a better chance there, to control the better. At the same time, a big hitter can win the points quicker. It may come down to altitude and technique, and for that I will go with Krejcikova or Swiatek,” she said.

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Evert considers Swiatek as the favorite

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek

Alongwith Navratilova, another legend, Chris Evert too predicted the outcome this week. Looking at the draw, she said that top seed Aryna Sabalenka will be the player to beat at Guadalajara. She added that Anett Kontaveit will be tired despite being in form and at last, predicted Swiatek to win the tournament.

“Throw the names in a hat and pick one out. When I look at this draw, on a normal surface, I’d say Sabalenka. But seriously, you could pick any one of them. Kontaveit has been on form lately but I wonder if she’ll be tired. In the end, I’m going to go with Swiatek,” Evert said.

The WTA Finals are underway for the first time at Guadalajara. Karolina Pliskova and Anett Kontaveit have opened their campaign with victories on Day 1.

Also read: WATCH: ‘Point of the season?’ Carlos Alacaraz wins an extraordinary point against Brandon Nakashima at NextGen Finals

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