Chris Evert lavished praise on Iga Swiatek in a recent interview, calling her a “soft-spoken” leader on the WTA Tour.
Speaking to TIME magazine, the 18-time Grand Slam champion pointed to how the World No. 1 doesn’t “yell” at people from the top of a mountain but still makes them listen to her when she speaks.
“She’s a leader that doesn’t yell at the top of a mountain,” Evert said. “She’s more soft-spoken. Yet when Iga speaks, people will listen.”
Former WTA player and 21-time doubles Grand Slam champion Pam Shriver also added to the praise, calling Swiatek an “old-school” World No. 1. The American further added that the three-time Grand Slam champion has the best forehand, movement and mental toughness on tour, at least over the last year or so.
“You can’t find anyone who moves better, who has a better forehand, and who’s been mentally tougher in the last 14 months than Iga,” Shriver said. “She’s a little bit of a throwback, old-school No. 1 player.”
