Iga Swiatek says she is unsure if Saudi Arabia’s push to become a force in tennis is a positive step after coming through her opening match at the Australian Open.
The world No.1 rallied to a 7-6(2), 6-2, win over former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin in her opening match on Tuesday. It was a far from straightforward encounter for Swiatek who was down a break twice during the first set before clawing her way back to triumph in the tiebreaker. Then in the second frame, she gained momentum by winning five games in a row en route to victory. Overall she hit 30 winners to 21 unforced errors and won 65% of her first service points.
“It wasn’t the easiest first round. She played really well. I tried to find my rhythm, especially in the first set.” Said Swiatek.
“I’m happy at the end of the set I could win the most important points.
“I’m happy that I am through and I could play a little bit better in the second set.”
Swiatek, who is spending her 86th week at the top of the WTA rankings, has now won 17 consecutive matches on the Tour with her last defeat occurring at the Japan Open last September. She is bidding to win her fifth Grand Slam title at this year’s Australian Open.
“I felt a little bit off in terms of the timing. You could see I played a couple of frames,” she admits.
“The temperature was higher than any match I played this season. I needed to adjust to that. The balls were a little bit flying out of control but that’s normal in these conditions.”
Amid her latest victory, the 22-year-old weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Saudi Arabia’s aim to move into tennis. The Middle Eastern nation held its first ATP event last year and on Monday it was confirmed that Rafael Nadal has been appointed as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. The Spaniard is also set to open an academy there and play a role in the development of junior tennis.
However, there are concerns that Saudi Arabia is using sport to improve its image which has been damaged by allegations of human rights violations. A concept known as sportswashing. Something that doesn’t sit too well with Swiatek who has expressed caution over the topic.
“It’s hard for me to sum up in one sentence.” She said.
“It was always hard for me to say if it’s good or not because it’s not easy for women in these areas. Obviously, these countries also want to change and improve politically and sociologically.’
“Also in terms of many events that were held, there were rumors about sportswashing. I have nothing to do with Rafa and his decisions, it should be up to the federations and the governing bodies who decide if we (the players) are going to play there or not. If there would be some negative backlash, they should take the responsibility.
“I’s hard to straightforwardly go one way and say anything. I don’t know if it’s a good decision or not.”
Whilst the debate concerning Saudi Arabia continues, Swiatek’s immediate focus is on Melbourne where she will play Danielle Collins in the second round on Thursday. Collins beat Angelique Kerber 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, in her opening match.
