Iga Swiatek ‘unbelievable’, tipped as Australian Open favourite – ‘One of the toughest girls to beat’

Alex Corretja says Iga Swiatek remains the player to beat at the 2023 Australian Open, and believes the Pole’s confidence will be sky high after already winning a hard-court Grand Slam last year.

Corretja, a former world No. 2 in the men’s game, says that victory at the US Open last year will encourage Swiatek to kick on even more in 2023, but admits it will be far from plain-sailing for the 21-year-old Down Under.

Swiatek faces Germany’s Jule Niemeier in her first-round match in Melbourne.

“I think it was very important for her to win the US Open, for her mindset, knowing that she can win a major on hard courts,” he explained.

“It might help her believe that she can do it again, also in Melbourne. I think her game can sit very well. She is moving well, she has unbelievable, great defensive skills. She has a great backhand, she returns well. I think she’s going to be one of the toughest girls to beat for sure.”

Corretja will also be keeping a keen eye on Aryna Sabalenka following her WTA victory at the Adelaide International last week, while Ons Jabeur is getting closer to a first Grand Slam triumph after reaching the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2022.

“You can also consider Sabalenka, she won last week. And then Caroline Garcia who won the WTA Finals at the end of the year, and maybe she found her way to hurt her opponents,” Corretja added.

“The ball bounces quite high in Melbourne and she likes that surface. Maybe Ons Jabeur, let’s see what she can do. It’s going to be very interesting.

“I think Swiatek is a little bit on top of the others because she has been winning more matches. But when you start the year, everybody starts from zero. So in the end, anything can happen.”

Swiatek was left feeling frustrated in her preparations for the first Slam of the year after a straight-sets defeat to Jessica Pegula at the United Cup.

“Any time a No. 1 player loses, it gives the competition hope,” Evert said.

“I think what really matters is how Iga feels, more so than how her opponents feel. Because Iga’s got to get back on top. And she’s got to get back that mentality and confidence.

“If she has that confidence that’s bad luck for the field. Because when she’s confident, and she’s aggressive, she’s really, really tough to beat.

“But in saying that, yes, it works the other way too, the other players can see that she’s human, and that she isn’t perfect. She’s not dominant, she will have off days. And they will have hope when they walk on the court with Iga.”

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