“I have a hard time catching eye contact with Serena,” Iga Swiatek said in 2022, attributing it to her ‘shy’ demeanor. Fast forward to this year at Flushing Meadows. While Serena Williams retired from tennis in 2022, Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, is aiming for her sixth title this season. A chance meeting between the two players from different eras sparked a heartwarming exchange that transcended the boundaries of competition, leaving the World’s No. 1 “starstruck” once again!

A ‘positive kick’ from Williams before a crucial third-round match at the US Open may have boosted Swiatek’s confidence to win the game in straight sets. During a press conference, when a reporter asked what she and Serena chatted about, the 23-year-old explained why she was relieved to be approached by the 23-time Grand Slam champion. “I wouldn’t, for sure, find the courage to do that (smiling) if it was the other way. But, yeah, she’s really nice and really positive.”

Stating how it was nice to see her, Swiatek added, “She has a lot of positive energy. It’s nice that she came on-site and she was chatting with the players, because for me, yeah, I still felt, even though we met before and for like a couple of years we have been on the same sides and on tour together, she’s still like star-striking me (smiling).”

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Ahead of the Western & Southern Open at the Cincinnati Masters in 2022, Swiatek had the golden opportunity to meet Williams while they were both on tour. However, Swiatek admitted that she could hardly look at Williams, let alone say ‘hi,’ forgetting that she herself is a World No. 1 player. Instead, her nostalgia made her feel like “a kid from kindergarten just looking at her.” The four-time French Open winner wished to play a match with Williams back then, which might remain a dream now. Nevertheless, she is “happy” that Williams remains connected to tennis and is cheering for her.

Moreover, Swiatek, who won three consecutive Grand Slam titles in the French Open this year, equaled Williams’ feat of doing the same at the US Open (2012-2014). When Swiatek saw an X post about this, she couldn’t contain her excitement and wrote, “Mighty @serenawilliams.” Whether praising Williams for her achievements or hoping to learn more from her, Iga Swiatek never shies away from praising the tennis legend! 

Iga Swiatek’s deep admiration for Williams!

Swiatek’s 2024 Wimbledon Championships began on a hopeful note after she defeated Sofia Kenin in the first round. However, Swiatek, who had a third-round bye at the All England Club, revealed in a post-match interview how she wants to invite Maria Sharapova, Williams, and Steffi Graf to her dinner party to learn different things from them. But that’s not all. A couple of years ago, when Swiatek was asked about Serena Williams’ retirement, she began by saying, “She’s such a legend.”

“Being able to do business and tennis at the same time, but also be a mother and play well and make four Grand Slam finals; it’s amazing. I think nobody is going to repeat that,” Swiatek further stated before concluding that Williams inspires her to strive for the same level of greatness. Therefore, it is fair to say that Iga Swiatek and Williams’ bond is a testament to the camaraderie and kindness that exist in the sport amid the usual on-court rivalries!