Iga Swiatek Joins Serena Williams in Elite Slam Company After Tough US Open Victory

Just a couple of days ago, in an exclusive interview, Tennis 365 asked Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, if he sees a bit of the 23x Grand Slam champion in Iga Swiatek. “100%, and that’s the wildcard,” Macci replied. “That’s what separates great from good. They’re like a pit bull, they get a hold of you, they don’t let go. That’s what I always respected about Iga.” He sounded sure. And Swiatek just proved that his judgment isn’t too far off the mark.

Swiatek didn’t have the best of starts in her third-round match against Anna Kalinskaya. Trailing 5-1, she faced four set points in the opening set before she managed to get a hold of herself and mount a comeback for a 7-6(2), 6-4 win at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. And with that victory, she joined Serena Williams in an elite list. “Since 2000, only three players have reached 20 Women’s Singles rounds of 16 in fewer Grand Slam main draws than Iga Swiatek (27) – Venus Williams (23), Martina Hingis (25) and Serena Williams (26),” posted OptaAce on their official X page.

20 – Since 2000, only three players have reached 20 Women’s Singles rounds of 16 in fewer Grand Slam main draws than Iga Swiatek (27) – Venus Williams (23), Martina Hingis (25) and Serena Williams (26). Company.#USOpen | @usopen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/bUdnDCACLB

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 31, 2025

This is a developing story…

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