By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday August 30, 2024
New York—Queen Serena met Queen Iga at the US Open on Saturday.
Serena Williams, visiting the tournament she won six times, took in some tennis inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Labor Day weekend, and also spent a bit of time with current World No.1 Iga Swiatek, before the Polish juggernaut defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the round of 16.
Five-time major champion Swiatek was thrilled to spend some time with the 23-time major champion.
“It was really nice to see her,” Swiatek said. “She has a lot of positive energy. It's nice that she came on-site and she was chatting with the players, because for me, I still felt, even though we met before and for like couple of years we have been on the same sides and on tour together, she's still like star-striking me.”
Starstruck Swiatek struck 19 winners against 9 unforced errors against Pavlyuchenkova and has advanced to week two at the US Open without dropping a set.
She said that when she met Serena before the match, she was happy that Serena took the initiative.
“It was nice that she approach me, because I wouldn't, for sure, find courage to do that,” she said. “She's really nice and really positive. I'm happy that she's following tennis and my game, because she told me that she's cheering for me. It's always nice to hear that from somebody like Serena.”
Swiatek will face Liudmila Samsonova in the round of 16.
She has the 3-0 lifetime edge against the Russian.
Swiatek said that her moment with Serena gave her some good vibes.
“I would say it more inspired me and it give me, like, a positive kick, so it was nice,” she said.
Caroline Wozniacki joked that she was a bit upset that Serena didn’t stop by her match.
“I’m pretty mad at her for not showing up at my match,” she said. “I think we have to talk about that a little bit later.”
Wozniacki, who also reached the round or 16, said she hopes to catch up with Serena soon.
“Serena is obviously still very busy. I think when you've been such incredible at something, I think you'll always have the opportunity, you'll always be great at whatever you put your mind to,” she said. “She obviously is busy. She has two kids, she has a husband, she has her sponsorship, has all that. ButI love hanging with her. I love talking to her. You know, I love the support that I get from her, as well.
“It's nice. I was texting her earlier today and hoping that we'll have time to catch up.”