Two-time Roland Garros champion Iga Sviatek says her shyness made it very difficult for her to meet the legendary Serena Williams, who recently announced she will retire sometime after the 2022 US Open.

Serena Williams, winner of 23 Grand Slam titles in her career, drew attention from the media and fans at the tournament in Cincinnati (August 13-21) after announcing that she wants to retire from tennis next term.

Iga Svyatek and shyness – He admits how difficult it was for him to meet Serena Williams

Both players are at the tournament in Cincinnati, but it was especially difficult for the world number one to congratulate the American.

“It’s hard for me to look Serena in the eye. It’s hard because she’s always surrounded by a lot of people and I’m shy, and when I look at her, I kind of forget that I’m here as number 1 in the world. I feel like a kindergartener in front of her.

When I’m around her, I kind of forget that I’m number one in the world. I think how hard it is. I’ve never spoken to her and I just wanted to say hello” – Iga Svyatek.

In Cincinnati, Sviatek will play directly in the second round, while Williams will face Emma Reducanu in the first round.

The Western & Southern Open is the last tournament before the US Open 2022

A WTA 1000 category competition, the tournament will be held on hard from August 15 to 21, 2022. Its total prize money is $2,527,250 and there are 64 players at the start of the main draw. The reigning champion is Ashley Barty (now retired), who won the title last year.