Exclusive: 'Definitely the best' - Casper Ruud gives Iga Swiatek assessment ahead of Australian Open 2023
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Updated 13/01/2023 at 18:09 GMT
Iga Swiatek may have suffered a surprising loss to Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals of the United Cup, but Casper Ruud believes that she will bounce back quickly in time for the 2023 Australian Open. Speaking on the latest episode of 'Ruud Talk', he explained Swiatek's best qualities as a tennis player, and her determination to be just as unstoppable in 2023.
Best shots from Iga Swiatek in 2022
Iga Swiatek will have the determination to once again become the best women's player of 2023, says Casper Ruud.
The world No. 1 had a breakout year in 2022, which saw her maintain a 37-match winning streak, the longest in the twenty-first century. She nabbed eight titles, including both the French Open and the US Open.
The 21-year-old Pole will be the clear favourite going into the Australian Open, despite hard courts not being her strength, as she will be hoping to better her semi-final finish last season.
Speaking with Eurosport's Barbara Schett in the latest episode of 'Ruud Talk', the Norwegian gave his assessment on what makes Swiatek such a good player, and how she can continue her good form ahead of the Australian Open.
"She is very solid and determined to do her job in the right way. She is staying focused and [with] every step she takes, she thinks about her career and how she can play the best way possible on the court.
"You know, she's very, very strict [and] very, very determined. You see her in the gym doing all the right exercises. And she's very athletic, I think one of the most athletic players there are, and she moves great.
"I just think she's a fun player to watch. She was definitely the best women's player last year, and I'm sure that she has some motivation to try to be [the best] this year as well.
"She had a tough defeat against [Jessica] Pegula," he continued, referring to Swiatek's 6-2 6-2 loss in the semi-finals of the inaugural United Cup, which left her in tears.
"She will lose as well, sometimes. When you’re the world No. 1, every match you lose will be a surprise or seem like the end of the world, but I'm sure she will focus on the next [one] and get ready for Melbourne.
"It's always hard when you lose, especially when you're playing for the team and your country," Swiatek had said after her loss to Pegula.
"So I was just sad. But, you know, it's not the first time I cried after a lost match. She played, I think, a perfect match, and it was pretty hard for me to find any spot where I could come back because she really didn't let me do that.
"I just knew that I felt kind of helpless today because physically and mentally, I wasn't able to kind of show up and problem-solve."
Swiatek's first-round draw at Melbourne Park will be Germany's Jule Niemeier.
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