By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday September 1, 2023
Novak Djokovic has been keeping a keen eye on the women’s game, and he likes what he sees from the talent at the top.
Asked to give his take on Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, Djokovic shared some of his astute observations.
The 36-year-old 23-time Grand Slam champion says he is blown away by Swiatek’s professionalism.
“Iga has been dominating the women's game for the last couple of years, multiple Grand Slam winner. I love her devotion, dedication,” he said. Djokovic also praised her fighting spirit of the WTA’s bagel queen.
“Maybe she's too humble to say, too modest to say, but she's got a great fighting spirit, no doubt,” he said. “She's a warrior, goes out there and doesn't give a single game. Actually she has probably the most bagels of anyone in women's tennis the last few years.”
Djokovic points out that her results reflect the champion’s mindset that she possesses.
“It speaks about how seriously and professionally she's taking every single point and game on the court. So that's very admirable. I really like that kind of champion spirit and mindset,” he said.
Coco’s Rising
Djokovic points out that Gauff may not be as far along in her development, but adds that the American has an extremely bright future.
“Coco is on the rise,” he said. “She's yet to win a Grand Slam, but played in the finals. She's still young, but now Brad Gilbert on her side with the great experience of coaching some of the greats, I think things are coming together for her.
“She played really good tennis in Cincinnati and also she's been playing well here. She's got the home support, of course, which is always welcome and needed.” Djokovic believes that it is just a matter of time before the 19-year-old makes a bigger splash at the majors.
Physically she seems to be very fit. She's striking the ball very well. … But it still takes some time, a few years for things to come together where you feel that you are complete as a player, that you are ready to win slams and dominate the game.
“I think she's coming very close to that stage and that level. So I'm sure that she has very high hopes for US Open and she should, because she's playing really well.”