Azarenka Has High Praise for Iga Swiatek’s Beautiful Game
19-year-old Iga Swiatek fell in straight sets to Victoria Azarenka on Day 6, but the two-time major champion and former World No.1 came away duly impressed by Swiatek’s brand of tennis and the way she comported herself on the court.
“She came out playing incredible, like winners coming from all angles, from all sides,” Azarenka said. “I've never played against her. I haven't really seen much of her play. And a little bit of what I've seen from a previous match, today I felt like it was another different level.”Azarenka, who reached the round of 16 at the US Open for the first time since 2015 with the 6-4 6-2 win, says that she was surprised in a good way by the athleticism and intellect of the World No.53, who has now reached the third round of three of the six majors she has played.“I was really surprised but in a really good way of how she plays,” Azarenka said. “I think she's super talented. She has a beautiful game, very smart. She has unique movement of, like, sliding and getting into that position. She can mix up her serve."Azarenka moves on to face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in the round of 16. She has yet to drop a set this week in New York.“She's only 19, so I really hope she's going to turn up her game. But I was really pleased with her attitude on the court, trying to find solutions, and very positive. I'm very impressed by her game. As I said, I hope she continues to work really hard. I'm sure we'll see a lot more of her.” ]]>
