"Once she gets ahead, good luck": Iga Swiatek's ability as a frontrunner unmatched says Martina Navratilova after Kostyuk thrashing

Iga Swiatek swept aside Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-1 to reach the final of the 2024 Indian Wells Open where she will take on Maria Sakkari who recovered from a late slump to destroy Coco Gauff and set up a rematch of the 2022 final. But there is one key to defeating the World Number One says Martina Navratilova albeit easier said than done.

Swiatek is into a 10th WTA 1000 final and getting through the first few games is key says Navratilova. Speaking on Sky Sports coverage, she said that as soon as Swiatek starts to get ahead it is very much game over.

This is often the case with Swiatek sometimes slumping early doors then finding her game which is when the opportunities present themselves or it can just be lights out tennis and the tennis legend fired an ominous warning to her rivals after the win.

"She's a great frontrunner. That's when the players need to stay close to her at the beginning of the match. Once she gets going it's really hard to stop her momentum," said Navratilova on Sky Sports.

"Then she grows in confidence and she covers the court so well. She seems to have added a bit of top spin to that backhand. It seems safer and that's one way to make it safer. But she's just firing on all cylinders and once she gets ahead watch out."

"So I would be thinking about only the first four games when I'm playing her, I've got to stay at 2-2 or better. Once she gets ahead, good luck."