US Open 2024: ‘Of course’ Iga Swiatek can win but ‘don’t discount Naomi Osaka’, says Martina Navratilova

Previewing the US Open, 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova said Polish world No. 1 Iga Swiatek has all the tools to capture a second title in New York. Swiatek comes into the final major of 2024 in indifferent form, with Aryna Sabalenka the strong favourite to lift the crown. Swiatek begins her quest for a sixth Grand Slam against qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova on Tuesday.

Top ranked Swiatek admits 'it's impossible to be relaxed in NY' ahead of US Open

Video credit: SNTV

Martina Navratilova insists Iga Swiatek can win the US Open as the Pole prepares to begin her quest for a second title in New York.

The world No. 1 said her “expectations are not so high compared to last year” as she attempts to remove some of the pressure she puts on herself, especially in the biggest tournaments.

Swiatek won at Flushing Meadows in 2022 but lost in the last 16 last year and comes into the 2024 edition in indifferent form.

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She claimed a fourth French Open crown in June before being knocked out in the third round at Wimbledon by Yulia Putintseva and then losing in the Olympic semi-finals to eventual champion Qinwen Zheng.

In her previous outing, she was well beaten in the last four by Aryna Sabalenka, who is the early favourite to reign in New York.

But Navratilova believes she is the player most capable of dealing with Sabalenka’s devastating power.

Asked by the WTA if Swiatek could claim a second US Open in three years, 18-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova said: “Of course she can. I mean, for Iga, the only person who can really hit her off the court is Sabalenka. [Elena] Rybakina, maybe on grass, but not on hard courts.

“Iga’s forehand on the hard court really pays off, so that levels the playing field against Rybakina. Against Sabalenka, Iga has better tools to deal with her, to neutralise her, than anybody else.

“She’s been working on her serve, getting more free points on that. I think the Olympics was just way too much pressure because she was such a favourite on the clay, and that can play games with your brain.

“So I wouldn’t worry about the Olympic result that much.”

Swiatek faces qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round and could take on another in the second round after being dealt a favourable draw that has her on the opposite side to both Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff.

Gauff came from a set down 12 months ago to beat Sabalenka in an absorbing final and land her national championship in front of a fervent New York support.

Sabalenka bounced back from that loss to defend the Australian Open in 2024 and is the favourite for many to bookend the four Grand Slams with victories.

She was forced to miss Wimbledon and the Olympics with injury but returned in style by winning in Cincinnati, with Navratilova citing her freshness as a potentially decisive factor.

“For sure [Sabalenka is the favourite],” she added. “Last year’s final might have been the worst match Sabalenka’s played in any big match, and she will have learned her lesson - and will be extremely motivated.

“She still has some confidence from getting to the finals, winning the Australian Open and Cincinnati. She’s fit - and I think a key factor is that she didn’t play the Olympics. So she’s fresher than everybody else.

“No scar tissue from Paris. Swiatek expended that energy, and so did Zheng Qinwen. Sabalenka will be chomping at the bit, for sure.”

'I feel hungrier than I was before Wimbledon' - Sabalenka ready for US Open title tilt

Video credit: SNTV

This US Open is, however, far from a two-person shoot-out. There has arguably never been more depth in the women’s game, with a host of challengers seemingly ready to emerge from the shadows.

One who has been there before is two-time champion Naomi Osaka. The Japanese star took an extended period out of the game to give birth to her daughter Shai but is back in the cut and thrust of life on tour, desperate to rediscover her best tennis.

The 2018 and 2020 champion has shown only flashes this season, but if she can put a run together, she could be hard to stop.

Elsewhere, Navratilova also picked out Mirra Andreeva and 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez as ones to watch.

“Mirra Andreeva is really making her mark,” Navratilova continued. “She’s seeded No. 21 at the Open - that’s crazy - how fast did that happen? And she’s still only 17.

“Leylah Fernandez beat Rybakina at Cincinnati, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Pegula. She’s been playing better and should be riding a good wave. This is her best tennis since she was in the [2021 US Open] finals.

“Danielle Collins had a great first half of the year. She’s looking to finish strong.

“And don’t discount Naomi Osaka - although she’s got a barnburner in the first round, against Jelena Ostapenko.”

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