Novak Djokovic hails ‘warrior’ Iga Swiatek for her ‘champion spirit’ at US Open 2023 and predicts big Coco Gauff future

Novak Djokovic has hailed Iga Swiatek for her relentless winning mentality and predicted a very bright future for Coco Gauff.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after beating Bernabe Zapata Miralles, Djokovic said: “Iga has been dominating the women’s game the last couple of years and is a multiple Grand Slam winner. I love her devotion and dedication.

“Maybe she’s too humble to say this, but she’s got a great fighting spirit. She’s a warrior, she goes out there and doesn’t give a single game. Actually, she probably has the most bagels of anyone in women’s tennis over the last few years.

“It speaks about how seriously and professionally she’s taking every single point and game on the court. So that’s very admirable. I really like that kind of champion spirit and mindset.”

The 23-time Grand Slam champion was also full of praise for Coco Gauff after she burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old, and is confident that the American can consistently challenge for the sport’s biggest titles.

“Coco is on the rise; she’s yet to win a Grand Slam, but has played in the finals. She’s still young, but now Brad Gilbert is on her side with the great experience of coaching some of the greats.

“Things are coming together for her. She played really good tennis in Cincinnati and has also been playing well here. She’s got the home support, of course, which is always welcome and needed.

“Physically she seems to be very fit. She’s striking the ball very well. She broke in to the top of the women’s game quite early. She may have been 16 or 17 when she played in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

“But it still takes some time for things to come together and when you feel ready to win slams and dominate the game.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic is now preparing for a third-round clash against compatriot Laslo Djere – a player he knows well after competing alongside him at the Davis Cup.

“I think he’s playing some of his best tennis on a hard court at the moment. He’s in very good form. It’s great for Serbian tennis that we have a match-up in the third round. So one Serbian is going to be definitely in the fourth round, which is always great for our tennis.

“He’s one of the hardest workers on the tour and puts a lot of hours into care for his body and trying to build his form.

“He’s physically very fit, so I must be ready for a physical battle.”