- World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is set to face a unique challenge in her third-round match at the 2023 US Open.
- The reigning champion will be going up against her “best friend on tour,” Kaja Juvan from Slovenia.
- Swiatek acknowledges that it might be “tricky” to play against her friend, especially after having dinner in NYC just days before the tournament.
NEW YORK — Iga Swiatek is known for her dominance on the tennis court.
The 22-year-old Pole, who fans playfully refer to as running “Iga’s Bakery” due to her many bagels (sets where she wins every single game), has held the top spot in women’s tennis rankings for 74 consecutive weeks.
However, Swiatek anticipates that her upcoming US Open match might present a “tricky situation” as she faces a familiar opponent, whom she recently shared a meal with in New York City.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
“She’s definitely my best friend on tour,” Swiatek said of her third-round opponent, Kaja Juvan. “She’s one of the most honest and intelligent people I know. I’m grateful to have her as a friend, but when we step onto the court, we have to compete against each other.”
This shows just how fierce Swiatek can be, despite their friendship.
In their previous two encounters, Swiatek has emerged as the winner, but Juvan, ranked No. 145 in the world, has given her friend a tough time. Swiatek even lost the first set against Juvan at the 2021 Gippsland Trophy and dropped five games to her at the French Open a few months later.
Robert Prange/Getty Images
Nevertheless, Swiatek is confident that she and Juvan can maintain their friendship despite the competitive aspect.
“I believe we both know how to separate our off-court friendship when we’re on the court,” Swiatek stated. “We can focus on playing our best and then resume our friendship afterwards.”
“We understand how to be professional and purely concentrate on the match at hand,” Swiatek added.
On the other hand, Juvan doesn’t believe that their friendship will have a significant impact on the match. While they always support each other during tournaments, Juvan sees her upcoming battle with the reigning US Open champion as a great challenge and an opportunity to showcase her abilities on a grand stage.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
“Regardless, I’m determined to maintain the right attitude and give my all in every point. Let’s see where I stand,” Juvan expressed during her press conference on Wednesday. “I have to approach each match with the belief that ‘Yes, I can do this.’ That’s the mindset I’m going for.”
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
