After Madrid Open Heroics, Iga Swiatek’s Raw Talent Gets Compared to Tennis Legend and Andre Agassi’s Wife Steffi Graf
Iga Swiatek is yet again proving why she is the No. 1 tennis player in the world. With three titles to her name so far this season, Swiatek is not ready to hold back. And appreciating this enormous success of the 22-year-old, is Andy Roddick. With a reference to Roger Federer and Andre Agassi’s wife, Steffi Graf, Roddick explained how Swiatek has the best qualities to rule at the top.
While analyzing Iga Swiatek’s latest victory at the Madrid Open, Andy Roddick drew an interesting parallel, “She has a Steffi Graf thing where every single point they are there.” Further illustrating the point, he said “the talent of discipline is something that Iga has had in her entire career.”
Remember when Graf faced Martina Navratilova during an iconic Wimbledon final and took over her opponent “point after point” through sheer resilience and focus? And even later that year, she kept on showing her prowess on-court and achieved four grand slams and an Olympic gold medal. Roddick referred to this consistent ‘discipline’ of hers with Iga Swiatek.
However, apart from Graf, Roddick also added, “She has that Federer thing that once she gets ahead, it’s kind of like a runaway train, right?” Through his reference, Roddick indicated how once Swiatek gains an advantage over her opponent, her lead frequently ends with an unparalleled momentum of victory.
And like Roddick said, Federer’s lead in matches also used to ultimately result in his victory at the end. Andy Roddick himself faced it during their iconic Wimbledon match back in 2009. Although the American pushed Federer to his limits, once the Swiss got a slight edge, he clinched it and ultimately emerged victorious. And it became one of the longest Grand Slam finals in history. But what does World No. 1 think of her performance in her last match? Well, she is as happy as her fans are.
Iga Swiatek is “proud” of herself after her victory at the Madrid Open
After an intense 3 and 11 minutes of battle, Iga Swiatek clinched her first victory at the Madrid Open. This marked her 20th career title, along with three of them earned this year itself. And quite naturally, she expressed how this has evoked a range of feelings in her.
A lot of emotions. But for sure, I’m really proud of myself and really happy, because when you have matches like that and when you actually have to fight through some stuff, it makes it even better. So I’m really proud of myself,” Swiatek said after the match.
Swiatek further added that this was the most “crazy” final in her career so far. However, World No. 1, who has been at the top for over 101 weeks now, wants to savor this victory. And as she progresses to the next tournament, all eyes will be on her to witness a perfect blend of Federer’s and Graf’s strategic qualities in her performance.
