Robert Lewandowski has hailed his compatriot Iga Swiatek after the Pole stormed to victory at the US Open
Swiatek beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in straight sets to triumph for the first time in New York and secure her third Grand Slam title.
Lewandowski, who is the captain of the Poland men’s national football team, has long been a vocal supporter of Swiatek and has offered his support to the tennis star on a number of occasions.
Back in June, the Barcelona striker was pictured in the crowd at the French Open final as Swiatek thrashed Coco Gauff in straight sets.
Speaking afterwards, the 21-year-old said she was “overawed” to have received support from Poland’s most admired athlete.
“I am happy that he is here honestly,” the world number one said at the time. “I do not know if he is a huge tennis fan or not. But I mean, Wow! He has been a top athlete in our country for so many years that it still feels like, it is hard to believe that he came to watch me. Just overawed.”
What has Lewandowski said?
While Lewandowski was not in attendance in New York, he still shared a message on Twitter, stressing his happiness for Swiatek.
“Congratulations Iga! You’re a great champion and you’ve proven it yet again on the biggest stage. I am so happy for you,” he said.
Swiatek also received glowing praise from four-time US Open champion Martina Navratilova.
The Hall of Famer, who was part of the trophy presentation ceremony after the final, wrote: “What a treat to be sharing the stage with two champions- congrats @iga_swiatek and also to @ons_Jabeur – both great role models for aspiring girls and boys everywhere! Women’s tennis is in good hands!!!”
What a treat to be sharing the stage with two champions- congrats @iga_swiatek and also to @ons_Jabeur – both great role models for aspiring girls and boys everywhere ! Women’s tennis is in good hands!!! pic.twitter.com/6nNHXQCR1b
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 10, 2022
How has Lewandowski fared for Barcelona so far?
Having scored more than 600 career goals across his career, Lewandowski arrived in Barcelona this year with high expectations.
The 34-year-old is regarded as one of the finest finishers in the world and has already made an instant impact for Xavi’s side.
Lewandowski has scored six goals in five league games so far this season and netted an incredible hat-trick in the Champions League against Viktoria Plzeň.
Swiatek’s dominance continues
Swiatek has now won two Grand Slam titles this year and her victory in New York has helped solidify her spot as the world number one.
In terms of active players on the WTA Tour, only Naomi Osaka has won more Grand Slam titles since 2010.
Speaking on her success this season, Swiatek admitted it has come as a bit of a surprise but that she is confident she can continue winning.
“It’s something that I wasn’t expecting for sure. It’s also a confirmation for me that the sky is the limit. I’m proud, also surprised a little bit, just happy that I was able to do that.”
