Iga Swiatek is climbing the ladder and breaking records like no one else. However, even after being a popular face in the tennis circuit, she is one of her own kind. Recently journalist, Ben Rothenberg opened up about how the Polish tennis player could never reach the global popularity that Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova had at the peak of their respective careers.
Every athlete brings their own unique qualities to the sport, and WTA tennis players often have different priorities. For instance, icons like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova not only excelled on the court but also cultivated a strong fan base through their personalities and public personas. In contrast, Iga Swiatek stands out as a player who is deeply immersed in the game itself.
Rothenberg shared his thoughts on why the Polish player is just different from the rest. “We haven’t had a tennis player like her on tour for years. Repetitive, committed, locked into her match, in every next rally. This is not a girl who will walk on red carpets and pose for photos in swimsuits, hence she will not be a star in this dimension,” the media vet stated.
Further, he added, “As I say, I can also understand that some fans who come to the stadium to shout, see emotions and performances, Iga’s tennis seems not the most interesting. Because it is painfully mechanical, repetitive. The player puts on a cap, hides her eyes under the visor and simply wants to win the next match. She is not a show-woman. And she will not be one.”
On the other hand, having survived a wobble in the second set to make it to the third round of the Cincinnati Open, Swiatek is ready to take on a record held by Serena Williams. After a first-round bye, Swiatek went on to upset Varvara Gracheva, a French qualifier, preserving her chances of winning her first Cincinnati championship.
With wins in Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and, a semi-final result in Dubai, Swiatek has now surpassed her previous best of 27 wins in a calendar year, which she achieved in 2023. With this outstanding showing in the ongoing season, she has the opportunity to tie with Serena Williams’ record of 36 WTA 1000 match victories in a single year, which the American legend achieved in 2013.
However, when it comes to Williams or Sharapova, along with their prowess on the court, both of them have created a strong portfolio off the court too. Even today as they are not part of the tennis arena, they represent tennis on various platforms. Both of them have also stepped into the world of fashion after tennis.
Williams and Sharapova are involved in many off-court ventures as compared to Iga Swiatek
Tennis fashion was transformed by Williams and Sharapova, who combined fashion and athleticism. Both Sharapova and Williams sparked fashion trends on the court with their sophisticated, elegant looks and striking, statement pieces. Earlier this year, Williams and Maria Sharapova stole the spotlight at Valentino’s Fall 2024 show with their heartwarming reunion.
The event not only showcased the finest of fashions but also brought together two of tennis’ greatest icons, now prominent figures in the fashion industry. Following that, Williams dazzled at the 2024 Paris Fashion Week, participating in the Balmain and Off-White shows, while Sharapova made her mark at Victoria Beckham’s Fall showcase. As images and videos of their reunion flooded social media, fans were treated to a rare and memorable moment of these legendary athletes-turned-fashion icons coming together.
What are your thoughts on Swiatek’s popularity in comparison to that of Williams or Sharapova? Do let us know in the comment section below.
