Italian Open: Outright Favorite Iga Swiatek Downplays Expectations on Serena Williams Emulation With Her Safe Approach to Glory

Fans are still not done celebrating Iga Swiatek‘s recent win at the Madrid Open. However, soon after attaining immense glory by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, the tennis didn’t seem to rest as she started her run for another title in Rome. However, despite being the first choice of the Italian crowd, the world no. 1 denied considering herself closer to the likes of Serena Williams.

Recently, Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek defeated Yulia Putintseva to secure a position in the top 16. Soon after the victory, the WTA pro indulged in a conversation where she was exposed to a query about her target for the ongoing Italian Open. According to the records, only Serena Williams and Dinara Safina are the ones who secured wins in both Madrid and Rome in the same year. Keeping her focus limited to small steps, the Pole denied possessing dreams to secure this feat.

“Winning next match is on my radar. As usual, taking everything step by step is the best way to go. There’s still a long way. Yeah, I need to focus on what I need to focus on,” the 22-year-old said, elaborating on her strategy to desire one win at a time. Although she denied being ambitious, the Pole mentioned how difficult it is to emerge victorious in clay court tournaments.

“But obviously it’s hard to win these tournaments, especially when you don’t have time to really get used to the conditions if you play well in Madrid,” she added, pointing at the hardships she had to go through during her run for the title in Madrid.

As world no. 1 continues to take down her rivals one at a time, it remains to be seen if she will be able to join the house of glory with the likes of Serena Williams and Dinara Safina.

Besides denying the fact that she has high goals for the ongoing tournament in Rome, Iga Swiatek mentioned that she enjoys her presence in the ongoing tournament. The 22-year-old recently won her second match in the tournament to earn a place against Angelique Kerber in the round of 16.

Iga Swiatek enjoys the vibe in Rome

“I’m happy to be [in Rome] because I love this place,” she said, mentioning how she likes it here. Revealing the elements she likes about the place, the WTA pro added, “I love the food. I was literally just eating for the last two days…I like the different vibe that [this tournament] has. The courts, nature that is everywhere. Fans, as well. It’s pretty crazy here usually with the fans. They’re loud and they’re everywhere.”

As the tennis star looks forward to raising one step at a time, it remains to be seen how far she takes herself in the tournament, paving her way through some of the best competitors on tour.