© Getty Images Sport – Al Bello
Iga Swiatek called Novak Djokovic’s praise “nice” and thanked the Serb for making such comments about her game. At the US Open, record 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic spoke extremely highly of Swiatek’s game as he provided a list of reasons why he finds the Pole an incredibly admirable player.
“Well, Iga has been dominating the women’s game last couple of years, multiple Grand Slam winner. I love her, you know, devotion, dedication. Also, you know, maybe she’s too humble to say, too modest to say, but she’s got a great fighting spirit, no doubt.
She’s a warrior, goes out there and, you know, doesn’t give a single game. Actually she has probably the most bagels of anyone in women’s tennis the last few years. It speaks about how seriously and professionally she’s taking every single point and game on the court.
So that’s very admirable. I really like that kind of champion spirit and mindset,” Djokovic said.
Swiatek responds to Djokovic’s praise
“This is so nice. Thank you for these words @DjokerNole,” Swiatek wrote on X.
Novak Djokovic on Iga Swiatek’s champion mindset.
pic.twitter.com/ALLcZadcFf — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2023
Before Djokovic dropped major praises on Swiatek, the Pole spoke about what she can learn from the Serb and his new big rival Carlos Alcaraz. “They’re just so solid and good.
They don’t give each other points for free. It’s amazing how they can keep the intensity from the beginning till the end. I don’t know. I’m just watching them as a fan, you know, because I know that most of the stress they are playing it would be impossible for me to play (smiling).
I can learn obviously, like, from how they behave and, like, mentally how they never give up,”
Swiatek said earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile, Swiatek has been through to the US Open round-of-16 and she is getting closer toward successfully defending her US Open title.
