Iga Swiatek agrees for a doubles match with American skier Mikaela Shiffrin
Iga Swiatek has accepted American skier Mikaela Shiffrin's request to play a doubles tennis match with her.
Swiatek's attempt to retain her title at the Miami Open failed miserably after she was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a rib injury. The 21-year-old will also sit out her country's Billie Jean King Cup qualifier match against Kazakhstan in mid-April.
However, Swiatek is utilizing her recovery time by letting her hair down. She engaged in a fun conversation with Shiffrin via social media on Wednesday (April 5). During the chat, Shiffrin requested the World No. 1 to share the court with her for a doubles match.
"Maybe, we can do some day like a ski day and would you ever consider... is there any time you thought about playing doubles match with a non-tennis player? Like, would you play doubles with me?," Shiffrin asked.
Swiatek spontaneously blushed at Shiffrin's request and stated that she will definitely fulfill her request. However, the Pole was quick to ask if she wanted to play in front of the audience.
"Yeah, of course, we'll organize that. Will fix if we need crowd or not, that's the question because after your last question, I'm not sure. Do you like audience?," Swiatek replied.
Shiffrin admitted that she would adore the backing of a fun crowd unless she gets embarrassed for her "bad" serve.
"As long as I don't have to hit the balls into the crowd. I'm very bad at serving," the American claimed.
Swiatek assured Shiffrin that she would do the serving, saying:
"I'll do that, don't worry."
Reflecting on her conversation with Swiatek, Shiffrin said she had a "fun" time chatting with the Pole and wished her a speedy recovery.
"Fun chatting with @iga.swiatek about @laureussport World Sports Awards, pressure, psychology, charity events, and more! Hope your recovery continues well and I can’t wait to watch you in Stuttgart, Iga!" she captioned her Instagram post.
Iga Swiatek back to training after injury setback
Iga Swiatek has trained for the first time since announcing her withdrawal from the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. In a picture posted on social media, Swiatek was seen sweating out on an exercise bike.
"Back at it," Swiatek tweeted.
Back at it
🔥Back at it
🔥Powrót do roboty
#chindrip #enjoytheride https://t.co/1szDLXBrVK
Swiatek was last seen in action at Indian Wells, where she suffered a semifinal exit to eventual champion Elena Rybakina.