LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Andy Roddick says Iga Swiatek is now doing something more than he’s ever seen before

Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images
Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover

Andy Roddick delivered a glowing assessment of World Number One Iga Swiatek.

The 22-year-old continues to impress with her dominant run at the top of the women’s game and her greatness could not be more clear than when she is on a clay court.

She is on a 12-match win streak and is the overwhelming favourite to win a third straight Roland Garros title and a fourth in five years.

No matter how hard opponents try, Swiatek remains one step ahead and Roddick explains exactly how she is able to achieve that.

Andy Roddick dissects Iga Swiatek’s strengths on the court

Swiatek did not drop a set on the way to winning her third Italian Open title this past Saturday.

She added to the Madrid Open title she won two weeks earlier and in the process became the first player since Serena Williams to win both those tournaments in the same season since 2013.

On his ‘Served’ podcast, Roddick highlighted what enables the Polish player to dominate, especially on a clay court.

“She is the out and out favourite. She’s so much fun to watch on clay. Her footwork is unbelievable, she just smothers you,” he shared. “She is hitting the ball line more than I have ever seen.

“She takes the ball backhand from the middle of the court, so she doesn’t actually need to hit forehands, she is taking that and creating angles. She is phenomenal and just relentless physically and mentally.”

Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2024 - Day Thirteen
Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images

Who did Iga Swiatek beat to win the Italian Open?

Not only did Swiatek win the Madrid and Rome double, but she defeated the World Number Two in both finals.

After edging an epic 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) match against Aryna Sabalenka in the Spanish capital, the Pole ensured it was not such a struggle when they squared off in Rome.

Swiatek converted four of seven break points and hit 11 winners to just eight unforced errors in an emphatic 6-2, 6-3 victory.

She has now won eight of her 11 matches against the Belarusian, and recorded her eighth consecutive finals win, which bodes well heading into her Roland Garros title defence.