Google News
Magda Linette thinks Iga Swiatek has definitely positively influenced Polish tennis and also believes there are now more people interested in her matches because Swiatek has created a bigger interest in tennis across Poland.
Linette is one of the best stories from this year's Australian Open as at the age of 30 she reached her first Grand Slam semifinal. “I think she has done so much for tennis in Poland, and by just coincidence that is helping me as well because just people are watching more.
They are more interested. I think, you know, more people are coming for my matches as well because of it," Linette said of Swiatek's influence, per Tennis Majors.
What led to Linette's outstanding Australian Open run
Magda, who has never been ranked higher than No 33 in the world, had never previously made it past the third round of a Grand Slam.
“A lot has changed for me personally. So I think a lot has to do with a little bit of my personal life that I’ve become a little bit more independent. That’s the first thing. Second, I think I’m looking at things a little bit different.
I’m older. I’m more experienced, and I just calm down a bit. Emotionally I’m maybe finally growing up a little bit. When I’m down, I’m not that dramatic about it. And I can still keep fighting against my opponent, not only myself," Linette explained.
Linette's run to the Australian Open semifinal wasn't a cakewalk or something like that. In the second round, Linette defeated Anett Kontaveit, who was ranked as high as No 2 in the world last year. Then, Linette defeated reigning WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia and former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova, respectively.
In the Australian Open semifinal, Linette plays against fifth-ranked Aryna Sabalenka. Linette has already created few upsets and she definitely can't be taken lightly ahead of the Sabalenka match.