As the tennis world turns its attention to the prestigious Indian Wells tournament, Poland’s very own Iga Świątek is gearing up to defend her title and make history. With her sights set on becoming the first tennis player to win three Indian Wells titles, the 23-year-old tennis sensation is leaving no stone unturned in her quest for glory.
Currently ranked second in the world, Świątek has been training on the tournament’s courts, acclimating to the new Laykold surface, which replaces the 25-year-old Plexipave. The change is expected to make the court faster, with lower bounces, potentially putting Świątek at a disadvantage. However, the dry desert air is expected to slow down the game, playing into the Pole’s hands.
But it’s not just the tennis court that Świątek is dominating. A recent video surfaced of the tennis star training on grass, juggling a ball with her feet, showcasing her impressive skills. „Since today is Iga’s day, we can’t lack some juggling on the grass,” wrote Canal+ Sport journalist Żelisław Żyżyński, who captured the moment. The video has since gone viral, with fans and fellow tennis enthusiasts praising her agility and athleticism.
This isn’t the first time Świątek has demonstrated her exceptional hand-eye coordination and football skills. In the past, she has been spotted showing off her footwork and ball control, leaving many to wonder if she might have considered a career in football had she not chosen tennis.
Despite the main tournament not starting until Wednesday, Świątek has already got a taste of competition, teaming up with Hubert Hurkacz to participate in the Eisenhower Cup. The Polish duo made it to the semifinals, eventually losing to American pair Madison Keys and Tommy Paul. The pair had earlier defeated Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti, showcasing their impressive teamwork and camaraderie.
As the WTA 1000 tournament gets underway, Świątek will enjoy a first-round bye, with her first match scheduled for Friday. She will then face off against the winner of the Caroline Garcia-Bernarda Pera match in the second round. With her sights set on a historic third title, Świątek is ready to put on a show for the tennis world.
As of 2023, Świątek has an impressive 82.4% winning percentage in Indian Wells, making her a strong contender for the title. With her exceptional skills, agility, and determination, she is undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the tournament.
The Indian Wells tournament is one of the most prestigious events on the WTA calendar, with a prize money of over $8.1 million. The event has a long history of showcasing the world’s top tennis talent, with past winners including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka.
As Świątek takes to the court, her countrymen and women will be cheering her on, proud of her achievements and inspired by her dedication and passion for the sport. With her eyes on the prize, Świątek is ready to make history and cement her position as one of the world’s top tennis players.