Martina Navratilova compares Iga Swiatek to a tennis icon and finds her weak spot

Navratilova was courtside as Swiatek confirmed her status as the best player in the women’s game with a dominant 6-4 6-0 win against Maria Sakkari in the Indian Wells final.

Swiatek continues to re-write the history books with her relentless success and Navratilova told Sky Sports Tennis that she can be compared to the great Serena Williams in one key area.

“Iga might not be the quickest player out there but she’s the most complete player out there and it really shows up on slow courts like this,” said nine-time Wimbledon champion Navratilova.

“She is a fantastic player and is the best front-runner we have had in the game since Serena Williams.

“Also, she can get better. Her serve can improve so watch out.”

In a repeat of the 2022 final at Indian Wells, Swiatek proved too strong and won her second WTA title of the year with a straightforward win over Sakkari.

Swiatek, 22, never looked in trouble and once again showed why she has spent nearly two years atop the women’s rankings.

The Polish star raced into a lead as stars including Zendaya and Tom Holland watched on, sealing the opening set with a perfect forehand drive after Sakkari had briefly looked to fight back by breaking to level at 3-3.

READ MORE: “If we had to play against a man, we would lose” – Iga Swiatek clarifies take on women’s tennis, echoes Serena Williams’ sentiments after Madrid win

The second set was even more of a one-sided affair as Greece’s Sakkari, beaten in the final two years ago 6-4 6-1, could not win a game this time around.

Swiatek needed just 20 minutes to wrap it up and now plots victory at the Miami Open.

“I’m really proud of myself. I’m super happy,” said Swiatek in her press conference.