World number one Iga Svichtek said it is extraordinary that she will meet American Sofia Kenin in the first round of the Australian Open. Before that, he competed against him in the 2020 French Open final. – Our ways of life have separated – he added.
The 22-year-old Svichtek won 6:4, 6:1 to win the first of four Grand Slam titles. This was the only meeting of these players.
1. The Polish tennis player was very close to the final! Defeat after a close match
Meanwhile, Kenin, who is two-and-a-half years older, not only played in the 2020 French Open final, but also won the Australian Open title. However, in the following years, she did not win any WTA tournament. She has been plagued by injuries, illnesses and off-court issues that have caused her to fall from fourth to 235th in the WTA rankings. He is currently in the 38th position.
– It is strange that my first Grand Slam final was against Sofia and now we are playing in the first round. It's quite strange. The paths of our lives diverged, – said the best Polish tennis player at the press conference.
Switek started the season by participating in the United Cup mixed team tournament, in which Poland reached the final, but lost to Germany. The Pole won all five of his singles matches. Despite his good form, he underestimates his nearest rival.
– He has been playing solid tennis lately. He came out in Abu Dhabi. It won't be easy. I will prepare as usual. I talk to the team about tactics. We played with him for a long time, so I should know how he plays now, emphasized the Pole.
As he admitted, one of his most important goals this year is to successfully participate in the Olympic Games in Paris.
– Of course, I would like to achieve a good result at the Olympics, but so far I have no idea what can happen in July, because there will be many important tournaments before that. Last year I was analyzing what I would do this year and I was tired just thinking about it. Now I'm only focused on the Australian Open, and after it's over I'll think about my next, immediate goals, he said.
The Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne will start on Sunday.
AA, PAP