Iga Swiatek reveals what Serena Williams told her before US Open win

Iga Swiatek is still star-struck by Serena Williams with the reigning world No 1 admitting the tennis great gave her “a positive kick” before her third-round match at the US Open.

Former world No 1 and 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams was the star attraction at Flushing Meadows on Saturday as she made her way to Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of Swiatek’s clash against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Although the American and Pole’s careers briefly overlapped, they never faced each other on court while their interactions away from the court have also been very brief.

But they had an extended chat before Swiatek’s comfortable 6-4, 6-2 win over Pavlyuchenkova and the 23-year-old gave insight into their exchange.

“It was really nice to see her. She has a lot of positive energy,” the five-time Grand Slam winner said.

“It is nice that she came on-site and she was chatting with the players because for me, even though we met before and for like a couple of years we have been on the same side and on the tours together, she is still like star-striking me (smiling).