© Getty Images Sport – Cameron Spencer
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova described Iga Swiatek’s new serve as “really awkward looking” and urged the 22-year-old Pole to address that aspect of her game following a shock Australian Open exit.
Swiatek, the top-seeded player in Melbourne, was shockingly sent packing out of the Australian Open after Czech teenager Linda Noskova upset the Pole 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the third round. After Swiatek lost to world No. 50 Noskova despite being up by a set, many were left absolutely stunned and shocked, when knowing that the Pole entered the Noskova match on an 18-match winning streak – she won her last 11 matches in 2023 and also started the 2024 season by winning her first seven matches.
Navratilova, a former 18-time Grand Slam champion, thought Swiatek’s serve may have been one of the reasons why the world No. 1 ended on the losing side. Against Noskova, Swiatek won 65 percent of her first serve points, 56 percent of her second serve points, and also saved 4-of-7 of break points she faced.
In the offseason, four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek tweaked a bit her service motion.
Navratilova on Swiatek’s new serve: Looks awkward
“I’m not thrilled with Iga’s new serve,…
