Iga Świątek’s win against Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon ensured her first major title on a grass court. This big achievement also led many people in the tennis world to compare her to WTA legend Steffi Graf. Hours after the win, it was Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, who drew the honorable parallel.
Rennae Stubbs Likens Iga Świątek to the WTA Legend Steffi Graf
Swiatek took advantage of Anisimova’s nerves to win her first Wimbledon title in dominating fashion. It was both players’ first Wimbledon final, but Swiatek appeared calm and confident from the start. She won the match 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes, earning her sixth Grand Slam trophy.
This result turned out to be historic as no woman had won a Wimbledon final without losing a single game, known as a double bagel since Dorothea Lambert Chambers did it back in 1911.
While addressing Świątek’s replenished form, Stubbs highlighted a notable similarity between the former and Graf. In a recent episode of the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, she said:
“She’s the most similar person and personality, not playing style obviously, but just personality, as Steffi Graf. It’s just like head down, momentum doesn’t stop, you do not take anything for granted, and you just keep going. That’s the similarity for me with Steffi, with Iga Swiatek.”
Graf had an extraordinary record at Wimbledon, winning seven women’s singles titles (1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, and 1996) and finishing as runner-up twice (1987 and 1999). She reached the Wimbledon final on nine occasions, making her one of the most consistent and dominant grass-court players in tennis history.
Nick Kyrgios Highlights the Impact of Świątek’s Victory at Wimbledon
Among those who celebrated Świątek’s victory with optimism was the Australian ATP star Nick Kyrgios. After the Polish star added the grass-court major to her portfolio, he mentioned how this had an impact not only on her present but also on her future.
“You win Wimbledon, she’s a multiple Grand Slam champion, achieved tennis immortality, is one of the greats of this generation, and still in the midst of her prime. We are witnessing one of the greats of the women’s side, and today was a dominant performance,” Kyrgios said.
“What does this do for her confidence all year around? Maybe she’s got that confidence to dominate the top of the women’s game. Right now, it’s Coco [Gauff], [Aryna], Sabalenka and Iga. Now I put her right at the top for the US Open,” he added in an interview with TNT Sports.
After the win, Świątek will now prepare herself to keep the momentum intact for the upcoming US Open. The WTA star will not only compete in singles but is also scheduled to partner up with Casper Ruud in mixed doubles at the upcoming grand slam event.
