Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has revealed her admiration for current tennis sensation Iga Swiatek, admitting that she tunes in specifically to watch the Polish star despite not following much tennis these days. The Romanian, who retired earlier this year, shared that Swiatek’s game has not only captivated her but also inspired her to analyze aspects of tennis she overlooked during her own illustrious career.
Halep, a dominant force in women’s tennis during her prime, claimed her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2018, defeating Sloane Stephens in her fourth major final. A year later, she secured her second major at Wimbledon, outclassing 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. However, Halep’s career faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2022, she tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat at the US Open, leading to a provisional suspension. A year later, she was handed a four-year ban, which she successfully appealed and overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Despite her return to the court, persistent injuries forced the 34-year-old to retire earlier this year.
Now, as a spectator, Halep has turned her attention to Swiatek, the 24-year-old world number three who has taken the tennis world by storm. Swiatek first burst onto the scene with her 2020 Roland Garros triumph, claiming her maiden Grand Slam title. She solidified her dominance on clay by winning three consecutive French Open titles from 2022 to 2024 and added a US Open crown in 2022, her first hard-court major.
While 2025 has been slightly below Swiatek’s lofty standards—her Roland Garros winning streak ended, and she reached two Grand Slam semifinals without a final until the Bad Homburg Open—the Pole rebounded impressively. At Wimbledon this year, Swiatek was nearly flawless, dropping just one set en route to the final, where she dominated American Amanda Anisimova in straight sets without conceding a single game.
Halep, speaking recently, expressed her fascination with Swiatek’s game, noting that it has prompted her to see tennis in a new light. “I’m analyzing things I never used to analyze,” Halep said. “Watching Iga, I’ve learned stuff I didn’t pick up on during my career. She’s incredible to watch.” Halep’s comments highlight Swiatek’s ability to captivate even the most seasoned professionals with her powerful, precise, and tactical approach to the game.
Swiatek’s performances continue to spark conversation across the tennis world, and with fans like Halep in her corner, the young star’s influence on and off the court shows no signs of slowing down. As Swiatek prepares for the next challenges in her career, the tennis world eagerly awaits her next move, with Halep among those cheering her on from the sidelines.
