Four-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek may have the tennis world at her feet, but she could not help but feel star-struck after Sir Andy Murray named her as his preferred mixed doubles partner. The 22-year-old remains on track to retain her US Open title at Flushing Meadows after cruising to the third round.
The Pole already owns more Grand Slam titles than Murray, who has won the US Open and two Wimbledon crowns, plus a pair of Olympic gold medals from a stellar career. He advanced to the second round in the men’s draw in New York after beating Corentin Moutet in straight sets on Tuesday.
But despite her impressive record at such a young age, Swiatek was left flattered by Murray’s suggestion. The Scot was asked ahead of the tournament who his ideal partner would be and he plumped for Swiatek, who won the French Open in May. She responded with a stunned reaction to the video clip on social media.
And after her straight-sets victory over Daria Saville on Wednesday, Swiatek was asked about Murray’s proposal. “I love that he said that,” she replied during an on-court interview. “It’s a dream come true. I watched Andy when I was younger. He always had such a good game and is such a cool person as well. Really humble and down to earth, so I am happy that he said that.”
Although Swiatek was humbled by the 36-year-old’s suggestion, they will not be lining up alongside each other on the court anytime soon. Swiatek has spent 74 weeks atop the WTA rankings – the tenth-longest streak of all time – and he she is intent on extending that run.
“I wish I could play mixed doubles, but singles for me is enough, especially with such an intense and long season,” she added. “I will just focus on singles but I think Andy will forgive me. We’ll see, I’ll talk to him.”
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Swiatek has dropped just eight games across her two straight-set wins to start the defence of her title. She will face qualifier Kaja Juvan of Slovenia in the third round on Friday.
Murray, meanwhile, may have lifted the coveted trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2012, but he is unseeded at Flushing Meadows this time as he continues his comeback from a series of significant injuries. He will face 19th-seed Gregor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the second round on Thursday.
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