"Iga Swiatek & I are similar, just different different worlds" - Zendaya draws parallels between tennis, acting as she hails World No. 1
Zendaya-starrer tennis drama “Challengers” had a blockbuster US release, but for tennis fans, it was the lead-up that saw her grace tennis events and meet the likes of Iga Swiatek after her triumph at Indian Wells that won their hearts.
Zendaya was in a recent interview with Eurosport asked about the meeting with Swiatek, while the interviewer also posed a question from the World No. 1.
Swiatek had asked Zendaya to list out a similarity between the life of a tennis player and an actress.
In response to what she described as a “beautiful” question, Zendaya said she cannot imagine the sort of pressure that someone like Swiatek faces when she steps out on court in front of packed crowds and millions watching from home.
The actor went on to hail the Pole for keeping her composure and performing at the highest level.
"That's a beautiful question," Zendaya said via Eurosport. "This is so cool. Um, yeah, I was really lucky to to meet [Iga Swiatek] in Indian Wells, and she was so, so nice."
"I'm sure she would probably say the same about the weird work that I do. But um, but when I watch her, I can't imagine what it must be like, to be out on that court and have all these people watching you and having to perform at such a high level and keep your composure and stay so focused," she added.
Zendaya said she and Swiatek were “similar”, just in “different worlds”, adding that she also knew a thing or two about having to perform in front of the world.
"And Of course, we're similar," Zendaya said. "It's just different different worlds but I have a lot of respect for what it, what it takes to do your work in front of the world, I I definitely understand."
Zendaya, Iga Swiatek posed for pictures at Indian Wells
Zendaya and Iga Swiatek had posed for pictures after their meeting at the Indian Wells. The “Challengers” actress had earlier been among the spectators for the women’s singles final, where the World No. 1 got the better of Maria Sakkari.
The duo had a brief interaction and Zendaya later took pictures with the Pole during her trophy photocall.
Swiatek has since gone on to compete at the Miami Open and Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, reaching the last-16 and semifinals at the two tournaments respectively. She is currently playing at the Madrid Open as the top seed.