Pam Shriver hails Iga Swiatek's sensational form after Dubai win, compares the World No. 1 to peak Serena Williams, Steffi Graf

Iga Swiatek’s latest match triumph in Dubai has former American tennis player Pam Shriver comparing the World No. 1 to the sports’ all time greats including Serena Williams and Steffi Graf.

Swiatek, who is currently contesting the Dubai Tennis Championships, got the better of 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez in Round of 32 of the tournament. She scored the win by dropping just two games throughout the match, with a final score of 6-1, 6-1.

This was the 21-year-old’s fourth consecutive straight-sets victory, with her previous three coming during her title defense at the Qatar Open. At the Doha event, Iga Swiatek brushed past Danielle Collins and Veronika Kudermetova with an identical score of 6-0, 6-1. In the final, she faced American No. 1 Jessica Pegula, whom she diminished with a convincing 6-3, 6-0 triumph.

Former American tennis player Pam Shriver was highly impressed by the World No. 1’s terrific win and current form. The 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion compared Iga Swiatek’s dominance to that of Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, and Monica Seles during their peak years.

“Wow Iga’s level is next level (at the moment) hardly dropping games vs tough opponents. It’s reminiscent of the most dominant play by Navratilova, Graf, Seles and Serena,” Pam Shriver observed.

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"I'm not expecting it " – Jessica Pegula doubtful about Iga Swiatek repeating 2022 run despite formidable form

The World No. 1 defended her Qatar Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula in the final

Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek have already faced off twice this season. And while the American managed to outdo the World No. 1 in their first encounter of 2023 at the United Cup, Swiatek got her sweet revenge in the final of the Qatar Open. With her title win in Doha, the Pole commenced her extended task of defending all eight titles she lifted in 2022.

Pegula, however, is of the belief that although the three-time Grand Slam champion seems to be in the form of her life at the moment, she is likely to fall short of replicating her previous year’s success, as the season progresses.

"Obviously she's still playing at a very high level,” Jessica Pegula said in her post-match press conference after her Round of 32 win in Dubai. "I'm not saying [Iga Swiatek] can't do exactly what she did last year. I don't think anyone, at least I'm not expecting it because that was incredible.”

"I'm sure she's still going to play some great tennis and she's definitely playing like a true No. 1, and she's the one to beat. I guess we'll see as the year unfolds where it goes," she added.

The World No. 3 further mentioned the recent Grand Slam champion – Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka – to be one of the players to give Iga Swiatek a run for her money.

"But I think there's a lot of players playing well. I know Aryna's confidence has got to be sky high. She had a great win today," Pegula said.