Before the start of Serena Williams’ last ever US Open, WTA world number one Iga Swiatek met with Serena Williams at the US Open and took a spontaneous picture with the retiring tennis icon. “So… this is the highlight of my day.
Congratulations on your amazing journey and legendary career, Serena Williams. Huge respect for everything that you have done for our sport,” Swiatek captioned the photo she shared on Twitter.
🤩So…this is the highlight of my day.
Congratulations on your amazing journey and legendary career @serenawilliams.Huge respect for everything that you have done for our sport. pic.twitter.com/GoDRmnCO4D — Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) August 28, 2022
Swiatek is shy when Serena Williams is around
After Toronto, Swiatek was upset that she didn’t get to play Serena.
“Pretty sad I wasn’t able to play against her. Maybe I’ll have the chance,” Swiatek said. “Being able to do business and tennis at the same time, but also be a mother and do four Slam finals, is amazing.
I’d be happy to have that belief that maybe I can do that.” In Cincinnati, Swiatek admitted she would like to say a simple “hi” to Williams, but she is too shy to approach the American and start a conversation.
“The thing is that I have a hard time catching eye contact with Serena,” Swiatek said. “And I wanted to say ‘Hi’ a few times. But it is tough because she always has so many people around her and I’m pretty shy.
And when I look at her, I suddenly kind of forget that I’m here as the world No. 1. I see Serena and it’s, ‘Wow, Serena,’ you know? And I feel like I’m a kid from a kindergarten just looking at her. So it’s tough.
I haven’t talked to her but I’m just trying to say ‘Hi.’ Williams was one of the most dominant players in tennis history during her prime. Swiatek won 37 consecutive matches this season before losing in the third round of Wimbledon to Alize Cornet.
Swiatek is widely regarded as the player with the best chance of becoming the next all-time great and winning multiple Grand Slams.