Iga Swiatek’s absence from the BJK Cup doesn’t stop Team USA from adoring the Pole’s achievements and off-court behavior
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Danielle Collins, Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys
Iga Swiatek continues to receive praise and appreciation for her splendid season this year. The 21-year-old World No. 1 was the recipient of compliments not only for her outstanding achievements this year but also for her behavior off the court.
Swiatek finishes the year with 8 titles including two Grand Slam titles won at the French Open and the US Open. These results have helped her breach the 11,000 ranking points barrier as the Pole now leads World No. 2 Ons Jabeur with more than 6000 points as the Tunisian finishes the year with 5055 points.
Even before making the trip for the 2022 WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, Swiatek had announced she won’t participate at the 2022 BJK Cup Finals in Glasgow. The tournaments were separated by just 1 day which did not go well with Swiatek who said shifting time zones so quickly won’t be safe and healthy for her.
In her absence, Poland was unable to win a single tie in the Finals and finished last in their group. Poland lost their opening tie to team USA. While the Americans got a good win against the Polish players, they did not hold back from praising Swiatek whose absence was a big boon for them.
The compliments were led by team Captain Kathy Rinaldi who said, “She is a very sweet girl, very fierce on the court. Off the court, she is very authentic and genuine. On the court, her movement and athleticism and just how she has that ability to lock in every point is really impressive,” as per Tennisuptodate.
Madison Keys and Danielle Collins also laud Iga Swiatek
Danielle Collins and Madison Keys are two of the 9 players to register a win over Swiatek this season. Collins got the better of Swiatek in the semi-finals of the 2022 Australian Open on her way to a runner-up finish. Keys defeated the Pole in their Round of 16 clash at the Cincinnati Open.
“Incredible competitor. Doesn’t have a lot of holes in her game. She fights till the end. A spectacular athlete and her mental strength speaks for itself as well,” said Collins. While she was a bit precise, Keys gave a long answer upon being asked about Swiatek‘s character on and off the court.
“I just keep telling everyone Iga is just really really good at tennis. On top of that, she is just such a great person. Off the court she is so nice and friendly. She is just all around a great tennis player and also a great person. On the court, she is a phenomenal athlete. She moves so well.
“She puts so many balls back on the court, and I think her ability to never really give you any sort of opening that you feel like you can get her moving is why she has done so well this year,” added Keys showing her admiration for the World No. 1.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)