SUMMARY
- A fellow nominee and a 7-time world champion supports Iga Swiatek for 2024 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year.
- Swiatek faces tough competition at 2024 Indian Wells, with a potential rematch with her AO 2024 conqueror.
In a heartwarming gesture, an American Alpine skier and fellow Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2024 nominee has publicly endorsed Iga Swiatek’s bid for the prestigious award, offering her support to the tennis sensation.
Swiatek, the four-time Grand Slam champion and world no. 1, has been recognized for her outstanding achievements in the sport, including her remarkable performance in 2023 winning the French Open and WTA Finals where she clinched the title without losing a set. Swiatek’s resilience and determination have earned her a nomination for the coveted Laureus Award.
Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned Alpine skiing champion and fellow nominee for the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2024 award has thrown her support behind Iga Swiatek in an inspiring display of sportsmanship.
I vote for Iga 🙃
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) March 5, 2024
Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time World Champion in Alpine skiing made a selfless gesture by publicly endorsing Swiatek’s candidacy for the Laureus Award. The 28-year-old skier has already been nominated for this award for the fifth time in her remarkable career.
In a tweet expressing her support, Shiffrin stated, “I vote for Iga Swiatek,” highlighting her admiration for Swiatek’s stellar performance in the previous season. This selfless act of solidarity has resonated across the sports world and garnered much praise and admiration for Shiffrin.
Women supporting women 💜
Ahead of next month’s @LaureusSport Awards, world skiing champion @MikaelaShiffrin shouts out her fellow Sportswoman of the Year nominee, @iga_swiatek!#Laureus24 pic.twitter.com/FlMRTvCeCc
— wta (@WTA) March 6, 2024
As the remarkable Swiatek prepares to compete in the 2024 Indian Wells Open as the top seed, she carries with her the encouragement and backing of her fellow athletes from across the world of sports, including champions like Mikaela Shiffrin.
Iga Swiatek’s potential challenges at Indian Wells 2024
The 2024 edition of ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells is beginning this week, As the main draw unfolded, Iga Swiatek felt a familiar sense of nostalgia akin to her journey at this year’s Australian Open. In Melbourne, the top-seeded Swiatek faced Americans, Sofia Kenin and Danielle Collins in the first two rounds before being shockingly ousted by Linda Noskova in the third round.
At the 2024 Indian Wells, Swiatek has been granted a bye in the opening round but faces the possibility of a rematch with Collins in the second round and a showdown with Noskova in the third. Collins set to retire at the season’s end, had her career-best performance at India Wells in 2018 reaching the fourth round. Additionally, a potential rematch looms for Swiatek against Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals.
Indian Wells in a glance:
📍 Indian Wells, California
📲 @BNPPARIBASOPEN
📅 March 6-17⏪ Singles defending champ: Elena Rybakina
⏪ Doubles defending champs: Krejcikova/Siniakova
🏆 2024 Champion gets: 1000 points/$1,100,000 pic.twitter.com/YmzUJaE5Z8— wta (@WTA) March 5, 2024
Looking ahead, Swiatek could find herself in a semifinal clash with defending champion Elena Rybakina, replicating their recent encounter in the Doha final which was won by Swiatek. In the bottom half of the draw, top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff present formidable competition and are expected to meet in the other semifinal if the seedings have an upper hand.