Mikaela Shiffrin reacts to Iga Swiatek's title claim at the 2024 Italian Open

Mikaela Shiffrin celebrated Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek's win, who defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win the 2024 Italian Open title. The American alpine skiing star started her friendship with the tennis star through an Instagram Live.

Mikaela Shiffrin, 28, is the most decorated alpine skier with 97 victories in her purse. She is also a five-time World Cup champion, having bested Ingemar Stenmark and Lindsey Vonn in the World Cup standings.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist befriended Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek after the latter started drawing inspiration from her on sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz's advice. The 21-single title holder has since been following alpine skiing.

After meeting on social media, Mikaela Shiffrin and Iga Swiatek shared a frame in the 2023 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year nomination. The World No.1 in women's singles, Iga Swiatek, joined Mikaela Shiffrin in the 2024 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year nomination as well, an award which was eventually given to Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati.

In the recently concluded 2024 Italian Open finals, the Polish tennis star earned her third Italian Open title in four appearances in Rome. This news was nothing short of celebratory to friend Mikaela Shiffrin, who reacted to Swiatek's X post.

Shiffrin reacted with three smiley faces with party hats and horns, signifying a joyous occasion. The original post of Swiatek reads:

"ROMAAAAAA"

Shiffrin became inclined to Tennis since she played with her mom in childhood. In an interview with Tennis.com in 2022, she talked about pitching her coach about a tennis element in her skiing training.

"One thing I requested from my coach was to include some tennis sessions whenever he saw fit. I enjoy the way it works my quickness and agility, also my focus to be able to move around the court and still have precision hitting the ball," she said.

Iga Swiatek on playing women's doubles with Mikaela Shiffrin

In collaboration with Laureus Sports, both athletes shared space on Instagram Live before the Laureus annual award ceremony in 2023. The US alpine skier suggested they team up despite not being of the same sport.

When Shiffrin asked Swiatek,

"Is there a point in your life where you would do like a fun doubles match with non-tennis players? Like, would you ever play doubles with me?"

The latter, loving the idea of sharing court space, spontaneously replied,

"Of course! We'll organise that, " Swiatek said.

Speaking with CNN Sport in 2021, Shiffrin talked about her admiration for the tennis star due to her dedication and hard work.

"It's just how fulfilled she's making herself and doing the sport and working as hard as she does. And just that's the most important thing," said the skier.