World tennis is in safe hands. Its two number 1s are a combined age of only 40, but they’re showing class and maturity well beyond their age… and talent.
Iga Swiatek was invited onto NBC’s Today Show, fresh off of her third Grand Slam win.
“We have to stay united.”
Once again, the world number one was focused on the bigger picture.
With nearly every win in 2022, and there’s been 55 of those so far, she’s been an ally. Just under a month after going down to Danielle Collins in the Semi Final of the Australian Open, Ukraine was surrounded by Russian troops. And with every Swiatek serve and groundstroke since, there’s been a light blue and yellow flag pinned to her hat. With every winner’s speech, there’s been an acknowledgement and recognition of what Poland’s neighbouring country is going through.
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And once again at New York’s Rockefeller Plaza, it wasn’t about her. It’s more than just words, too; it’s been relentless reminders and more importantly, action. She participated in the recent Tennis Plays for Peace event, raising $1.2 million for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. In July, she also led the charge by organising a tennis exhibition in her homeland.
“I spend much more time on Tour than at home,” she continued.
“I’m Pole, so we are really helping back in our country.”
Iga Swiatek is a world-beater, quite literally. She has lost just seven times this calendar year, claiming two majors and five other WTA titles. She’s been on top of the world ever since Ash Barty announced her retirement in March. And she has carried herself with Barty-like grace right the way through, at the blossoming age of just 21. In fact, most of that reign as world number one came before her 21st birthday in late May.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe has been steadfast in ensuring that her position is used to influence greater good. Swiatek is so much more than just a tennis prodigy. Her maturity and class, which goes well beyond her years, has captured the attention of fans and media. The Pole arrived at just the right time to take the sport forward and flash the grace and sportsmanship fans crave, as Barty and Roger Federer, to name a couple, pass on the torch.
Rafael Nadal, too, cannot be forgotten as a role model the tennis world can be proud of. But now there’s a ‘new Nadal’ that’s emerging as an individual displaying all Rafa’s best qualities.
Carlos Alcaraz ironically became the youngest to break into the ATP top ten since his fellow Spaniard did 17 years ago. And he just became world number one, winning a maiden Grand Slam title on Arthur Ashe Stadium last weekend. His humility is also being applauded.
Moments after celebrating the greatest moment of his young career, the 19-year-old paid tribute to the 21st anniversary of September 11 before addressing anything tennis-related.
“It’s never easy to live this day as a normal day,” Alcaraz said.
“I want to let you know that my thoughts are with all of you.
“I will remember this day with all of you.”
The last weekend at Flushing Meadows was flushed with champions, as fellow finalists Casper Ruud and Ons Jabeur also displayed the class and likeability fans have long cherished.
Jabeur’s moment at the women’s presentation will not be easily forgotten. Despite being defeated in straight sets by Swiatek, the Tunisian not only hid the frustration of a second consecutive Grand Slam final defeat, but helped tidy up her opponent’s collar before the winner’s trophy was collected.
A week earlier, tennis farewelled a legend, Serena Williams. And who knows how much more tennis Federer has in him.
But the two top players in the world are the shining lights of a new generation. Given how promising they both are as prospects, too, expect to see the pair lifting plenty more trophies and cups. And in a world where everyone is forever waiting for the next best thing to arrive, the success of Alcaraz and Swiatek may get repetitive, but it will at least remain palatable.
Tennis is in good hands.
