Iga Swiatek praises ‘unbelievable’ Novak Djokovic as he wins his seventh China Open title

Iga Swiatek has heaped praise on ATP legend Novak Djokovic after he claimed his seventh title at the China Open.

Djokovic beat Alex de Minaur in their Beijing final, during which the Australian was forced to retire early because of injury. The Serbian was leading 7-6(7-3), 0-1 at the time, with the retirement handing 39-year-old Djokovic a 102nd career ATP title.

Seven of those titles have arrived at the China Open, where the veteran boasts a perfect 34-0 record. And his stunning success has now been discussed by Polish star Swiatek, who has just reached the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing.

Swiatek beat Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-3 in the China Open round of 16, after which she was asked on court for her thoughts on Djokovic’s title. She said: “Oh my God yeah, he is a GOAT, and what he’s showing season by season, such a great consistency. Seventh title here, it’s unbelievable. He’s putting up the numbers that are really unhuman.

“But he’s showing that it’s possible, and he’s really amazing. So determined and so motivated. He’s for sure a role model for all of us, and congrats to him. And yeah, I wish he could teach me a little bit longer how to return because I feel like he’s the best returner.

“But everything he says is super nice because he’s also really open, and it wasn’t the first time I had a chance to ask him about something, and he always had a really smart thing to say, and wanted to share his knowledge. It’s really good to see players like that also wanting other players to improve, so he’s really nice, and I really appreciate that.”

Djokovic was spotted advising Swiatek earlier at the tournament, showing all of his class and the true character he is. And it’s clearly having a positive impact on the Pole, who will play the winner of Coco Gauff versus Elise Mertens next.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Swiatek at the China Open, with the eighth seed having emerged through a very tough battle with Donna Vekic in the previous round. She won 4-6, 7-6(7-0), 6-2, having beaten Gao Xinyu 6-2, 6-3 in her opener.

Analysing her very impressive win over Jovic, she said: “Today for sure it was a different match because I had it under control from the beginning. So I kind of felt focused and wanted to push and stick to my tactics and go for it. And I’m really happy with the way I played. So yeah, for sure last night was a bit more tricky, but I’m happy that I feel like I’m improving every day, and for sure it was a good day at the office.”

And commenting on the China Open fans, the six-time Grand Slam champion said: “Yeah, apparently the headphones are supposed to have noise-cancelling, but you guys are so loud that I always hear you, so it’s really good to have that at the beginning of the match, knowing that the crowd is supporting you.

“I feel like it gave me a lot of energy, so thank you guys. And I know I’m going to see you tomorrow on the practice court. It’s always super busy, but it’s a pleasure to play in front of you. So hopefully we’re going to have many more matches.”

Swiatek will now be eager to follow in the footsteps of Djokovic and lift the trophy. And while she hasn’t enjoyed as much success as he has in Beijing, she was able to clinch the title in 2023. Another is now on the cards, particularly with Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka out of the China Open already.