Chris Evert identifies flaws in Iga Swiatek’s game that could dent her chances at the Australian Open
Tennis legend Evert points out a couple of shortcomings in Swiatek's game overcoming which the Pole will become unassailable.
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Iga Świątek, Chris Evert
Polish star Iga Swiatek has been the most consistent performer on the women’s side in the last couple of years. The 21-year-old has already cemented her position as the most prominent player of her generation. In her short career, she has already won a total of 11 WTA Tour-level titles. Currently, she has twice as many ranking points as world No. 2 Ons Jabeur, showing how far ahead she is among her peers.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is heading into the Australian Open as the formidable favorite. Despite having an unsteady start to the 2023 season, rivals in Melbourne have their task cut out to defeat Swiatek in her prime form. Tennis legend Chris Evert has jumped in with some advice for Swiatek, which can further make her unassailable in the season’s first Grand Slam.
Evert pointed out one weakness in Swiatek’s game which she thinks the opponents could encash in the coming fortnight. “The only thing stopping her would be her second serve is a little weak, and I think players are pouncing on her second serve a little bit more now,” Evert said. Swiatek has a high percentage of wins in the first serve but the second serve has been causing some trouble for her.
As for the rocky start of the 2023 season, the 18-time major singles champion Evert believes the defeat could spur Swiatek to further improve her game.
Emotional strength is another area where Iga Swiatek has to work feels Evert
Iga Swiatek has never shied from bursting into tears during matches. In the recently concluded United Cup, she was seen crying uncontrollably after her defeat to American Jessica Pegula. Earlier during the Tokyo Olympics, Swiatek burst into tears on the court after she lost to Spain’s Paula Badosa in the women’s singles draw.
“She’s got to really hold her emotions. She has to be tough emotionally,” said Evert about the need to be emotionally strong. “We’ve all seen her get frustrated on the court during a match. And we’ve seen the tears after a match. She just has to keep the emotional component strong and I think the title could be hers,” Continuing her train of thought, she further added.
Despite having some shortcomings, Swiatek remains the biggest favorite for the 2023 edition of the Australian Open. In the fortnight starting on Monday, she will be eager to replicate her invincible form from last year. Moving forward, Swiatek will further strive to consolidate her credentials as the greatest among the current generation.
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Abhinavendu Singh
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