"I think she's got the potential to be kind of like Rafael Nadal": Net play could take Iga Swiatek to next level says Martina Navratilova
WTA
Former world number one Martina Navratilova believes that Poland’s
tennis star Iga Swiatek can improve her game if she can improve her net play.
The 22-year-old is regarded as the best player currently
playing in the women’s singles category and has had a more than impressive time
on the court in 2023, especially in the second half.
Navratilova was recently quoted in a report where she stated
that Swiatek has the potential to become as good as Spain’s Rafael Nadal, only
if she continues to improve her weaknesses which can become her strength in the
future.
“How good will she [Swiatek] be if she starts going forward?
Ridiculous,” said the 67-year-old. “I think she’s got the potential to be kind
of like [Rafael] Nadal. She’s got those soft hands — she just doesn’t seem
confident to use them.
“When Nadal came up, he was allergic to the net, didn’t have
a slice. And then he developed all of that. I think she has such a curious mind
and she’ll want to improve that. Hard to believe, but she’s got a lot of places
she can get better. Her so-called weaknesses can become strengths. Not backing
away from the net, she can be even more dominant.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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