In a thrilling match at the 2023 ATP Finals, Novak Djokovic battled past a resilient Holger Rune for a hard-fought 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3 victory, that secured him a year-end world no. 1 ranking. Amid this intense showdown, a commentator couldn’t help but appreciate Djokovic’s dominance this season but humorously remarked that he hadn’t quite been like “Iga Swiatek-ing” his opponents.
The commentator playfully said, “He’s rarely lost this year, but it’s not like he’s Iga Swiatek-ing people.” This witty observation was made for Iga Swiatek’s knack for defeating her opponents with a scoreline of 6-0, which is termed a ‘bagel’ in tennis.
On the other hand, Djokovic much like his world no. 1 counterpart in women’s tennis, Swiatek, has been winning a lot of matches, but not with the same authority as Swiatek often winning the sets through tie-breakers and matches going the full distance.
“Is Swiatek-ing a verb now?”
“It is a verb now, it’s used frequently at bakery establisbments” pic.twitter.com/zuBZwv0835
— Owen (@kostekcanu) November 12, 2023
When questioned whether “Swiatek-ing” could be coined as a verb given her growing frequency of Bagels, a tennis commentator enthusiastically agreed and referred to its use in bakery establishments. The post was shared on social media X by one of the tennis fans: “Is Swiatek-ing a verb now? “It is a verb now, it’s used frequently at bakery establishments.”
This made a fan humorously suggest that Iga’s bakery is ironic, considering her impressive feat of securing 22 sets with a 6-0 bagel this season.
Iga’s bakery is iconic! 🤣 https://t.co/XSHj0diQJc
— Audrey (@audreyveronne) November 12, 2023
Iga bakery is a thing. https://t.co/KkKElpLdDa pic.twitter.com/HE90QcGXNy
— Holumitz (@holumitz123) November 13, 2023
The exchange, shared on social media, sparked widespread amusement among fans. The humorous twist in labeling this unique style of winning as “Swiatek-ing” added a light-hearted comparison of the current world no.1’s in men’s and women’s game.
Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic next at ATP Finals
Jannik Sinner is gearing up to face Novak Djokovic in a much-anticipated showdown at the ATP Finals. Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, holds a perfect 3-0 record against his younger opponent, with their last encounter at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships ending in Djokovic’s favor in straight sets. However, much like the unbeaten streak of Djokovic since Wimbledon, Sinner too has been firing on all cylinders since the US Open.
With an impressive 14-1 record post the US Open to date, Sinner will also be having the home crowd support. While Djokovic is the clear favorite as the world No. 1 and a six-time ATP Finals winner, it presents a golden opportunity for Sinner. The 22-year-old Italian is currently enjoying his highest rank of world no. 4 and is in prime form to secure an upset win over Djokovic.
Sinner said of facing Djokovic, “I felt closer this year in the semifinals at Wimbledon, despite losing in three sets than last year in the quarterfinals when we fought for five. I can’t wait. These are the games I train for every day, the ones that put me under pressure… these are the important games for growth, the ones for which I say ‘I win or I learn.’”
Jannik Sinner says facing Novak Djokovic will tell him where he is with his game:
“Djokovic will tell me where I am. I felt closer this year in the semifinals at Wimbledon, despite losing in three sets, than last year in the quarter-finals, when we fought for five. I can’t wait.… pic.twitter.com/7SHRQsKGyz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 12, 2023
Sinner recognizes that playing against Djokovic will be a significant test of his skills. Even though he has yet to secure a victory against Djokovic in their 3 previous encounters, Sinner’s determination and current form could potentially lead to an upset. The tennis enthusiasts would be eagerly waiting for this match, scheduled on Day 3 of the tournament.