“It’s not like you can copy what Serena Williams did,” Iga Swiatek not looking to follow the path laid by the American
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Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is about to begin her campaign at the 2022 US Open where former World No. 1 Serena Williams is set to retire from the sport after 28 long seasons on the Tour. While Williams is scheduled to play on Day-1 of the tournament, the Pole will be taking the court on Day-2 of the Grand Slam to open her campaign.
With the whole of New York and the Tour preparing to pay a fitting tribute to Serena, even Swiatek showed respect towards the 23-time Grand Slam champion. The current and former World No. 1 recently met which Swiatek called as her ‘highlight’ of the day writing a small tribute to Williams having earlier mentioned how intimidated she had been of Serena earlier and was scared to even say a simple ‘hello’ to her.
Also Read: Iga Swiatek Starstruck after meeting Serena Williams, calls it the ‘highlight’ of her day
“I already lost two matches, and now I can really lower my expectations,”: Iga Swiatek on her US Open chances
Swiatek will be playing in her 4th US Open this year and over the past three years, she has improved one round further everytime but is yet to cross the 4th round. With a great hardcourt season earlier this season and the surprising retirement of Ash Barty, Swiatek has been the World No. 1 since April first week and she looks to hold on to the position.
“Everybody has their own path. It’s not like you can copy what Serena did, then do the same, and it’s going to work. I have huge appreciation because it’s one of my goals actually to be consistent throughout my whole career, staying Top 10 for a long, long time. She was No. 1 for a long, long time, so it’s pretty crazy. For sure I understand it a little bit more right now, how much work she has put into it.
“I feel like the last couple of weeks in Toronto and in Cincinnati, have been pretty hectic for me. I felt really nervous. When I came here, it was easier for me to kind of chill out maybe because I already lost two matches, and now I can really lower my expectations and just focus on improving and on tennis. It’s easier for me to kind of chill out here. I’m reading, I don’t know if it’s a good example for the younger generation, but “Memoirs of a Geisha.” And “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown,” said Swiatek during the media day.
Serena starts her campaign against Danka Kovinic in the first round on Monday, 29th August while Swiatek starts against Jasmine Paolini on Day-2 on 30th August.
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Sarthak Shitole
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