Sympathies for Novak Djokovic? Iga Swiatek with tears in the US Open final
Iga Swiatek came up with an interesting fact on the sidelines of the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells. Especially for an avowed Rafael Nadal supporter like the Polish woman.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 13, 2021, 06:47 pm
The pictures of Novak Djokovic, in tears, at the last change of sides of this year's US Open final got under the skin. Later, the Serb was to speak of the great pressure, but also the great overwhelming of the overwhelming support from the ranks - something that the industry leader had strived for throughout his career without ever experiencing it to this extent. An emotional burden that seemed to inhibit the man from Belgrade for long stretches of the game.
After all, there was nothing less than history at stake at Flushing Meadows this year. The 34-year-old was missing a match to become the first man since Rod Laver, the first player in the Open Era to win all four majors in one year. The final manifestation of the dominance that Djokovic has shown on the ATP tour in recent years.
Swiatek pays tribute to Djokovic
These achievements, these achievements of the 20-time Grand Slam winner, are also recognized by observers and athletes in tennis, from whom one would not necessarily have suspected at first. The latest example: Iga Swiatek. The lady who, in addition to her exceptional tennis skills, is particularly known for her admiration for Rafael Nadal. That man, on the other hand, was not only Djokovic's toughest competitor for years, but was also regularly used as a reference for recognition by the audience. Plain and simple, because this was given to the Mallorcan far more strongly.
In any case, on the sidelines of the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells, Iga Swiatek stated that Novak Djokovic's attempt to make history had also left its mark. "I was of the opinion that he deserved this success and that if there is someone who can do it, it is him," said the Polish woman. Yes, the final in Flushing Meadows, in which Daniil Medvedev suddenly destroyed Djokovic's dreams in three sentences, would have touched her emotionally: "I cried when he lost the US Open final, but yes, I have been since childhood always in the Rafa team, "explained Swiatek - at the same time relativizing that although this changes little about her being a fan, she is also able to recognize exceptional achievements. Something, by the way, that the New York City audience was capable of that Sunday.