The reigning champion Iga Swiatek has recorded 11 consecutive wins at the French Open. Recently, she defeated 18-year-old Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-4 to reach the final eight again.
Remarkably, the 20-year-old Pole hasn’t lost a set on the Parisian clay since 2019. Hence, it isn’t surprising that Andy Murray and Andy Roddick praised the young talent.
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Andy Murray and Andy Roddick praise Iga Swiatek’s performance at French Open 2021
The three-time Grand Slam champion Murray took to Twitter, watching Swiatek battle Kostyuk at the French Open 2021. He could not play this year due to a lack of match fitness.
Murray wrote, “Love watching Iga Swiatek.” Naturally, the tweet was well-received by tennis fans.
One among the many was the 2003 US Open champion, Andy Roddick. He replied, “Agreed. She is awesome.”
Agreed. She is awesome
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) June 7, 2021
Inarguably, Swiatek has earned every appraisal she has received in the last two years. Her incredible fighting spirit and sheer commitment to the cause is starting to become the story of her career.
But after all, the 20-year-old is also learning aggressively from the best in the sport. Thus, the praise coming from two former World No.1’s mean a lot to her.
Firstly, Swiatek wrote back to Murray, asking whether he could practise on the grass with her. She said, “Thank you, Sir Andy! Are you by any chance up for practice? I really need to improve my skills on grass.”
Thank you Sir Andy! Are you by any chance up for a practice? I really need to improve my skills on grass. 🙈
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) June 7, 2021
Furthermore, on receiving the tweet from Roddick, the young Pole shared a bowing down GIF on Twitter. On that, she wrote, “It’s so nice, thank you!”
It's so nice, thank you! pic.twitter.com/gqGRBroL1G
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) June 7, 2021
Notably, it would be the first time in a long time to see a woman player defend her French Open title. At present, Swiatek is three matches away from securing the title.
Watch This Story: Champions!: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, And Others’ Trophy Lift at French Open
Who will Iga Swiatek play next at Roland-Garros?
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In the French Open 2021 QFs, Swiatek will face Maria Sakkari for the semifinal spot. The Greek overcame 2020 Roland-Garros finalist Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-3 to reach the last eight.
It would indeed be one of the tightest matchups in the WTA Roland-Garros tournament. Both players would not want to go empty hands this year.
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Let us see who goes on to reach the semifinals this year. Do you think Swiatek can defend her French Open crown?