Iga Swiatek is still star-struck by Serena Williams with the reigning world No 1 admitting the tennis great gave her “a positive kick” before her third-round match at the US Open.
Former world No 1 and 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams was the star attraction at Flushing Meadows on Saturday as she made her way to Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of Swiatek’s clash against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Although the American and Pole’s careers briefly overlapped, they never faced each other on court while their interactions away from the court have also been very brief.
But they had an extended chat before Swiatek’s comfortable 6-4, 6-2 win over Pavlyuchenkova and the 23-year-old gave insight into their exchange.
“It was really nice to see her. She has a lot of positive energy,” the five-time Grand Slam winner said.
“It is nice that she came on-site and she was chatting with the players because for me, even though we met before and for like a couple of years we have been on the same side and on the tours together, she is still like star-striking me (smiling).
“It was nice that she approached me, because I wouldn’t for sure find the courage to do that (smiling) if it was the other way. Yeah, she is really nice and really positive.
“I’m happy that she is following tennis and like my game because she told me she is cheering for me. It’s always nice to hear that from somebody like Serena.”
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Asked if the interaction with six-time US Open champion Williams was a distraction, Swiatek said: “She approached me, like, at 4:00, you know, today. It was before my warm-up. I would say it more inspired me and it give me, like, a positive kick, so it was nice.”
Swiatek was also asked about the level of tennis compared to two decades ago and she admitted it was a complex question to answer.
The Pole, who first became world No 1 in 2022, believes it is about constant self-improving as she highlighted how she had to up her game after her rivals started to figure out her game.
“It’s hard for me to judge the level I have because I am constantly looking at myself and other players, so it’s not easy to say if we are playing at our best level or at a higher level than five years ago,” she said.
“Surely we are playing better tennis than 20 years ago because our physical condition has improved, among other things. I’m not an expert, I haven’t watched many past matches, but it’s clear that you need to improve to move forward.
“Becoming world No 1 happened suddenly for me; I admit that at first, my opponents didn’t know what to expect from my game.
“2023 was a challenge because I had a big target on my back; my rivals already knew my style, so that’s when you need to learn and have more variety on the court, you can’t keep playing the same tennis because people will figure it out, and it will be harder to win.
“I don’t know if tennis is improving overall, but you need to enhance your game because here everyone analyzes you, they will end up focusing on you to beat you.”