Billie Jean King is one of the game’s greatest ever players, and she has been a keen spectator during the US Open.
Earlier this week, Amanda Anisimova got retribution for her Wimbledon final drubbing at the hands of Swiatek by sending the Polish performer packing at the quarterfinal stage.
Swiatek didn’t look comfortable during her defeat to Anisimova and was deservedly beaten by the American, who was hell-bent on getting some revenge for Wimbledon.
Some criticised Swiatek for her tactics in defeat to Anisimova, but ultimately, to nit-pick would take a lot of credit away from the new world number four.
Swiatek praised Anisimova after losing to her at the US Open, but King was on hand to ensure that the world number two didn’t go without some encouraging words, too.
What Billie Jean King said to Iga Swiatek after US Open exit
Swiatek will be gutted to exit at the quarterfinal stage for the second successive year, but she will still take lots of positives from 2025 when it comes to the Grand Slam events.
After posting on Instagram a thank you to the fans in New York, King messaged a reply to her post and encouraged her to remain positive in this disappointing time.
She posted: “You have so much to be proud of. Keep going for it.”
Swiatek will hope to finish the year with a flourish
The 24-year-old has already won six major titles, and after claiming the big prize at Wimbledon, there is no way she will be downbeat about this year.
Swiatek has enjoyed a steady year on the tour and has jumped back into the world number two spot, with her eyes firmly on getting closer to Aryna Sabalenka at the top.
It’s great that someone with the status of King has given Swiatek this sort of message, and the player should still take a lot of confidence from her exploits this year.
Swiatek will be looking forward to the Asian swing at the end of the year, and she could be a real threat at the WTA Finals when they get underway in November.
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