'One of the greats of this generation ': Nick Kyrgios puts Iga Swiatek above Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka after historic Wimbledon triumph

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios believes that Iga Swiatek will now be considered a firm favourite to lift the US Open after her incredible run at Wimbledon. The 24-year-old lifted her sixth Grand Slam on Saturday as she defeated America’s Amanda Anisimova in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-0.

It was the first time in more than 100 years that a women’s final at Wimbledon witnessed a player winning a match without losing a game. Swiatek’s triumph was also special because it was her first title since lifting the French Open last year. Swiatek also became only the third player in the history of women’s tennis in the Open era to win her first six finals at Grand Slams. With that win, Swiatek has now lifted Grand Slams on all three surfaces.

Australian tennis player Kyrgios has featured in the TNT Sports show Wimbledon Watchdog, where he heaped praise on Swiatek and believes that she has now achieved the ‘pinnacle’ of the sport. Kyrgios was also of the opinion that after winning the Wimbledon title, that too in a manner that has not been done in over 100 years, makes Swiatek a worthy favourite for a US Open title, ahead of the likes of the world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and 2023 winner America’s Coco Gauff.

"That's the moment there when you realise you've made it to the pinnacle of the sport,” said Kyrgios. "You win Wimbledon, she's a multiple Grand Slam champion, achieved tennis immortality, is one of the greats of this generation and still in the midst of her prime. We are witnessing one of the greats of the women's side and today was a dominant performance. What does this do for her confidence all year around? Maybe she's got that confidence to dominate the top of the women's game. Right now, it's Coco [Gauff], [Aryna], Sabalenka and Iga. Now I put her right at the top for the US Open."