Iga Swiatek showed great respect for Jessica Pegula after the Doha final when she praised the American’s consistency, noting «it’s great» what the 28-year-old represents as a player. Swiatek, who was the top seed in Doha, ousted second seed Pegula 6-3 6-0 to successfully defend her Doha title.
Although Swiatek dominated Pegula in the Doha final, the Pole took a moment to recognize the quality of the American. «I’m pretty happy with my performance, but I want to congratulate Jessica on the singles, on the doubles, on everything.
You’re a really consistent player, everything you represent is really great,» Swiatek said after the final, according to Tennis Majors.
«I was able to stay focused from the beginning to the end of the matches.
«I’m pretty happy with my performance, but I want to congratulate Jessica on the singles, on the doubles, on everything.
You’re a really consistent player…everything you stand for, it’s really great.» — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) February 18, 2023
Swiatek makes amends for United Cup loss against Pegula
Swiatek began his 2023 season in the inaugural United Cup where he won his first three matches before being handed a 6-2 6-2 defeat by Pegula.
After that loss to Pegula, Swiatek was seen crying on the Poland team bench. In his post-match press conference, Swiatek admitted that he felt «helpless» in their United Cup match “Because I knew that I felt a little helpless today, because physically and mentally I couldn’t even show up and solve the problem.
So it’s always difficult when you lose, especially when you’re playing for the team and your country. So I was sad. But it’s not the first time I’ve cried after a lost game. Nothing special,» Swiatek said at the United Cup.
In the Doha final, Swiatek and Pegula were playing for the first time since the United Cup. Swiatek earned the first break in the second game, but Pegula fell back in the third game. Swiatek broke Pegula again in game six, but the American broke the Pole again in game seven to cut the deficit to 4-3.
After missing his second break of the match, Swiatek raised his game to a whole new level by winning the next eight games to seal the win in impressive style..
