Mats Wilander believes that Iga Swiatek has reached the level where everyone just knows he is going to deliver and that reminds him of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Swiatek, world number 1, came through the first week of the Australian Open with three straight-set wins. In her third round match at the Australian Open, Swiatek upset Cristina Bucsa 6-0 6-1. Now, Wilander believes that Swiatek reaching the second week of a Grand Slam is basically a guarantee. “The most important thing about Iga Swiatek is that she’s very reliable now. There’s a certain style of player that you can’t beat her. If you don’t hit the ball hard, you can’t beat Iga Swiatek. And it’s almost becoming [like that] in all surfaces, so it has to be a very good feeling. When you’ve seen someone like Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal over the years, you realize at the beginning of the Grand Slams: ‘okay, this guy can’t be Rafa, there’s no chance.’ And I think Iga is setting that standard. Half the dressing room, or even more, thinks ‘well, I can’t do anything. I can’t hurt him,’” Wilander told Eurosport. In the first round of the Australian Open, Swiatek was put to the test by Jule Niemeier, but nothing so worrisome, as the Pole beat the German 6-4, 7-5. In her next match, Swiatek got rid of Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-3. Swiatek then prevailed with authority over Bucsa, whom she defeated 6-0, 6-1. In fact, Swiatek has become a very reliable player in the Grand Slams. Now, Swiatek is off to a good start at the Australian Open and is determined to win her fourth Major. The Pole comes from the best season of her career by winning two Grand Slams at Roland Garros, where she won for the second time, and her first US Open, consolidating herself as number one in the world after the retirement of Ash Barty.
Becker comments on Rafa Nadal
In a conversation with Eurosport, Boris Becker reflected on the legacy that former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has composed in the sport. “He is not a tennis legend. He is a legend of the sport, he is one of the most important athletes of the last 25 years,” said the 55-year-old. “He has made his country even more popular, he can become president if he wants , but I think he will pick up a racket again,” Becker said. “I hope and pray that he recovers soon and we will see him again. In Paris, at the latest. But I think his days are numbered,” he added.
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