Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Iga Swiatek Was ‘Shocked’ After Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova Forgot Their Rivalry and Became Friends

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gouri Das | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 10:05 AM ET

Few would have anticipated Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams becoming ‘forever friends’. Iga Swiatek was shocked as well, as after sailing past Emiliana Arango 6-1, 6-2 in the US Open first round, the Pole ace was asked about the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2025 ceremony held in Newport.

Sharapova and Grand Slam doubles greats Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan were inducted into the Hall of Fame. For Sharapova, Williams gave a riveting speech, which also saw both the former rivals pull each other’s legs. Williams also said Sharapova reminded her of her sister Venus Williams, calling the Russian her sister. Swiatek was impressed by the gradual development of their relationship.

Honestly, it’s great. It’s a shame, obviously, that it didn’t happen before when they were on tour together. I just thought their relationship was so tense that I’m just shocked that they managed to work through it. I guess if you have good intentions, you can work through everything, you know. So for sure l’m happy to see that, I think having that appreciation from your biggest rival, I think it must be a great feeling.
Iga Swiatek said at the press conference

At present, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka are Swiatek’s biggest rivals. It was Gauff whom she removed to become the World No.2 player after winning Wimbledon this year. But to dethrone the World No.1 and reclaim her ranking, the Pole has to win the US Open and a few more tournaments.

I was just happy to see them kind of together, because tennis, I mean, I feel like we all should be kind of united and going towards one goal as players, even though we’re competing against each other, and that’s one of the examples of that.
Iga Swiatek added

Swiatek herself has carved a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Last month, she surpassed Sharapova’s Grand Slam tally by double bageling Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final to win her sixth Grand Slam title.

Iga Swiatek on her matches in New York

Iga Swiatek became a three-time Grand Slam champion at the 2022 US Open by beating Ons Jabeur. At the press conference after her first-round win in the ongoing event, the 24-year-old recalled struggling in the early rounds of the 2022 US Open and how she had to overcome so many challenges before managing to win it. She admitted that playing in New York is always tough.

So yes, every year is tough because New York is very noisy, you know, and it’s hard to find balance off the court. But I have to say that I probably cope well compared to other players, so I try to stay in my bubble.

Swiatek will next be locking horns with Suzan Lamens, who went past Valerie Glozman in straight sets in the previous round. She will be meeting Lamens for the first time in her career.

Earlier this season, though she was making deep runs, reached the quarterfinals of every tournament except for the Italian Open, she failed to reach the final. Swiatek surprised all when she progressed to her career’s first grass-court final at the Bad Homburg Open, and even more when she beat Amanda Anisimova to win Wimbledon and end her title drought. It was her first title since lifting her career’s fourth Roland Garros trophy last year.

After a short break, she started the North American hard-court at the Canadian Open but was defeated in the fourth round by Clara Tauson. The former World No.1 then claimed the Cincinnati Masters by defeating Jasmine Paolini. Swiatek is projected to lock horns with the Italian ace in the quarterfinals of the US Open.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: