TENNIS
It takes a village: How Sierzputowski steers Swiatek to success
It takes a prodigious talent to know a prodigious talent. Maybe that’s why Iga Swiatek and 2020 WTA Coach of the Year Piotr Sierzputowski have been the perfect match ever since her junior days.
Sierzputowski, 28, began coaching when he was 14 years old before pursuing a full-time coaching career at 18 in Warsaw. Sierzputowski began as a hitting partner for his younger sister, Alicja Sierzputowska.
“All the players around her wanted to have somebody similar to me,” Sierzputowski said. “So they asked me, of course, as a side job. I was playing tennis. I was in school. So it was just getting some money for me for just a few lessons a week.
“So I started pretty early. When I was 18 I already was working in the club. I decided that I have to finish my career because as everybody knows, tennis at a certain level is expensive because you have to travel.”
EXPLORE THE WTA SCORES APP TODAY
Download Now!
Given his younger sister’s talent, the family’s financial resources when to support her career. Sierzputowski moved with her to Warsaw.
“I started working in Warsaw in the club where I eventually met Iga after a few years working there,” Sierzputowski said. “I was working with players mostly under 14 years old. I had the No.5 in Tennis Europe at this time, so the girl was playing pretty good.”
Then came the fortuitous call in 2016. Swiatek, then 14, was looking for a new coach after Roland Garros and Sierzputowski’s boss tapped him on the shoulder. Sierzputowsky was just 23.
“I said I feel like I’m not ready for it because I don’t have experience about going from the transition tour, let’s say, to WTA because Iga was already at the stage that she made a junior Roland Garros quarterfinal,” Sierzputowski said. “It’s not a big step, not far away to go to the WTA. You have to take those steps to be there.
“He said, OK, we’ll look for a coach. We’ll put you on the team as a second coach who can travel, can help, can be on the court and hit with her.
“But I was hitting too weak,” Sierzputowski said, laughing. “I was just too weak on the court but I found some good hitting partners.”
In the meantime, Swiatek trialed other coaches but kept coming back to Sierzputowski.
“Iga and her father decided that I would stay with them for the next preseason and then we gonna see,” Sierzputowski said. “And it stayed until right now. So that’s the way how we started our cooperation.”
Sierzputowski has been at the helm for Swiatek’s successful junior career, which included a junior Wimbledon title, and her grinding success through the ITF Tour as she worked to get her ranking up to earn direct entry into WTA events.
“He’s pretty young, but he’s also really ambitious,” Swiatek said. “He has a good eye. Even though he’s young, we are kind of learning together.”
“I think I’m the dumbest person on the team. But I feel like I created the team. It was my idea. It was somehow my thinking, how it should look, how it should work, and it’s working.”
– Piotr Sierzputowski
Sierzputowski’s humility has set the framework for his coaching career. Most importantly, he has not tried to be all things for his young charge and he is quick to acknowledge when he needs help.
“There is not a huge gap in the age between me and Iga,” Sierzputowski said. “It’s nine years. So I cannot be for her a role model for everything. That’s why I need in a team people who know what they are doing. That’s why I’m trying to organize the team as best as I can.
“I don’t have to be a psychologist. I can hire them. I can advise Iga to get one. The same with the fitness coach, physio. Everything is there, and everything is set up.
“I think I’m the dumbest person on the team. But I feel like I created the team. It was my idea. It was somehow my thinking, how it should look, how it should work, and it’s working. So I’m really happy about it because I think this is one of the most important parts of having a tennis coach in the tennis teams on the tour.”
After her incredible run to the Roland Garros title last fall, it’s been a tricky balance to strike to for Team Swiatek. Increased notoriety and obligations at home have led to Sierzputowski organizing Swiatek’s training blocks away from Poland so she can work without distraction. So far the rhythm has worked well. Swiatek started the season by making the Round of 16 at the Australian Open and winning her second WTA title at the Adelaide International.
Iga Swiatek, Adelaide 2021
2021 Adelaide champion Iga Swiatek celebrates with her team.
Tennis Australia/David Mariuz
But there has been no time to relax for Swiatek. Now begins the process of readying for her Roland Garros title defense. After a mini-preseason training block in Sotogrande, Spain, Swiatek is making her tournament debut this week at the Madrid Open.
“I wish I could feel relieved,” Swiatek said. “Yeah, even though I had some great matches, I won Adelaide, I still feel like it’s not enough. I know it’s wrong, but that’s how my brain works. I kind of have to fight myself.
“As soon as I’m going to just chill out and just play, it’s going to be much, much better. Knowing now that I can really play well, I expect myself to play well in every match. It’s not possible because actually [this is] going to be my first full year on tour if I’m not going to get injured or anything. Right now I feel like it’s so hard to switch to other places, change your game, to adjust.
“I was playing really, really well in Sotogrande. I felt like perfectly, maybe not at the beginning, but then when I did some work, it was really solid and great. But when I came here, again I felt like I forgot how to play tennis because the balls were bouncing differently, the clay was a little bit different.”
“She’s getting to the point I feel like, I hope, in two, three years where she will get to her maximum limit of the knowledge she can get, and then it’s gonna be a chess play, like we will move her from one place to another. I feel like this is going to be the best part of her lifetime.”
– Piotr Sierzputowski
It’s all part of the learning experience for Swiatek, though her coach may be more enthusiastic about the prospect. It would be easy for Sierzputowski to revel in their success but what excites him is precisely how far Swiatek is from being the player he envisions she can be.
“Even this year, after the [Australian Open] we sat together, and I was really excited that I can implement some new stuff with her, which makes me really, really happy right now, because it’s not like we are at the end of our road,” Sierzputowski said.
“There is a huge improvement in communication right now. I think she’s getting more mature. So I feel we can work on different stuff than at the time when she was junior. Right now we can work on tactical, we can work on energy management, we can work on how she see the player on the other side, not only herself on the court. She’s much more aware.
“She’s getting to the point I feel like, I hope, in two, three years where she will get to her maximum limit of the knowledge she can get, and then it’s gonna be a chess play, like we will move her from one place to another. I feel like this is going to be the best part of her lifetime.
“We will see. I hope she gonna enjoy it, but right now she’s learning everything really fast.”
Maria Sharapova is quite busy between business and fashion after she retired from tennis in 2020. Now, PR Newswire released a press release about Stagwell set to host world-class athletes as part of the 2023 Cannes Lions. And in that press release, details were shared about how they want to create a cultural zeitgeist platform for sports.
Sharapova will be joined by Allyson Felix, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, Spencer Dinwiddie, a Brooklyn Nets star, along with DK Kizer, a former quarterback. And other well-known personalities from the NBA arena.
The former world number one will be among the spoon sport’s first beach partners, all ready to share their vigor and acumen regarding the power of sports and also their ability to connect with large audiences.
Sharapova and her new life
The tennis player announced her retirement back in February 2020 and is now facing her new path as a married woman and mother of a small child.
Sharapova spoke in an interesting interview with the microphones of New Beauty and released interesting statements. Here are her words: “The role of mother must arrive at a certain point in your life, I felt ready and to tell the truth it was something I’ve always dreamed of.
I have an excellent relationship with my mother, we are very close and we share a lot, we are related and this is also why I wanted to have a child so that I could share my experiences with him. I’m excited to see him grow and I’m learning new things too.
Every day is a new day, there’s always something to learn and it’s a great challenge.” The former tennis player continues: “Even the sporting aspect is very demanding, it keeps you grounded every day. Tennis was something I wanted to do every week, beyond winning and losing.
I always had to reinvent myself and challenge myself and I just didn’t feel comfortable. I don’t know if it’s more difficult being a tennis player or a mother, let’s just say both roles are very demanding.” Maria then spoke of her son Theodore, the true protagonist of the interview: “He is an exemplary child, I often talk to him and pray that he has a quiet day.
Fortunately he is very good, I was lucky I must say. Also when I breastfeed him I’m always hungry, I feel like I always have to eat and this thing intrigues me. This was the fastest year of my life, it flew by in the blink of an eye.
I’m excited about this phase of my life, I feel like I’m spending my first months of life and I see that everything is fine. I’m curious to understand how my life will unfold, between work and family and the important thing is to find the right balance.”
On a recent edition of the “ROAR Around The Ring” podcast, WWE Superstar Bianca Belair shared her thoughts on The Street Profits’ alliance with Bobby Lashley and a potential singles run for her husband Montez Ford.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below
On possibly working with Ford on WWE TV: “We’ve never touched on the fact we’re husband and wife on TV. I think in the future that could be great, it could be fun. I think what they have right now is so exciting and so new and I would love to see where they could go with that on their own and see where I can go with what I’m doing on my own. I think in the future, we will come together, but it’s kind of hard, because once you put us together, how do you separate us? … But I’m excited to see where that goes, that faction to me is so powerful, I just think that they’re unstoppable and I just can’t wait until they get some momentum.”
On Ford getting a potential singles run: “To hopefully see him in the ring by himself with that WWE Title on his shoulder, that means everything to me and I know that would mean everything to him. So I’m always pushing for that. I love Angelo Dawkins, I love Bobby Lashley, I love what they have going on. I wish equal success for them, but at the end of the day, I want my husband to be WWE Champion.”
The Russian tennis hottie, who is commonly known for sharing scenic pictures of her travels or fashionable photos, took her followers by surprise by posting a rather sexy pic on Instagram
Maria Sharapova is seen showing off her sexy back while lying down on her bed in a draped in a sheet.
Introduction:
Maria Sharapova, the renowned tennis sensation turned entrepreneur, recently set pulses racing with a captivating bedroom photo that she shared with her followers on social media. The snapshot, showcasing her alluring back, not only demonstrates her timeless beauty but also highlights her confidence and grace beyond the tennis court.
Sharapova, known for her remarkable achievements in the world of tennis, has always been a symbol of strength and elegance. Beyond her athletic prowess, she has ventured into various fields, including fashion and business, solidifying her status as a multifaceted personality.
In the mesmerizing bedroom photo, Sharapova exudes an aura of sophistication and allure. Her poised posture and confident gaze speak volumes about her self-assurance and empowerment. The image serves as a testament to her ability to command attention effortlessly, transcending the boundaries of sports and captivating audiences worldwide.
While some may view the photo as a mere display of physical beauty, it is important to recognize the deeper message it conveys. Sharapova’s journey from a young tennis prodigy to a successful entrepreneur has been marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. This photo serves as a celebration of her accomplishments and a reminder of the strength that lies within every individual to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Moreover, Sharapova’s willingness to share such intimate moments with her followers demonstrates her authenticity and relatability. In a world inundated with carefully curated images and personas, her willingness to embrace vulnerability and showcase her true self resonates with fans on a profound level.
Maria Sharapova’s recent bedroom photo not only captivates with its undeniable allure but also symbolizes empowerment and self-confidence. Beyond the realm of tennis, Sharapova continues to inspire millions with her resilience, determination, and authenticity. As she gracefully navigates the various facets of her life, she reminds us all of the importance of embracing our true selves and pursuing our passions with unwavering conviction.
1. KELLY BEGAN DATING MAX IN 2020
Kelly Piquet started dating Max Verstappen in 2020. This was one year before he won the F1 World Championship.
ALSO READ | Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: FINAL grid positions after all driver penalties
2. KELLY WAS BORN IN GERMANY
The 33-year-old was born on 7 December 1988 in Homburg, Germany. Kelly has travelled from place to place and spent some time in France.
ALSO READ | Lewis Hamilton starts negotiations over new Mercedes deal
3. SHE STUDIED INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
According to The Sun, the 34-year-old spent 12 months studying in England. She then headed back to Brazil and thereafter went to college in New York – graduating in International Relations.
Kelly is also a model columnist, blogger and public relations professional. She spent time with Marie Claire and Vogue magazines. The model later took over as part of the social media team for Formula E.
4. SHE IS A MOM
Kelly confirmed that she was dating Russian racing driver Daniil Kvyat in January 2017, according to the publication. In 2019, the blogger had a daughter with Kvyat named Penelope.
“Exactly 3 years ago, right before midnight, you came into my life and rocked my world forever. You are the most special human being I know and you teach me every day. I will forever be your biggest supporter.
I love you my sweet P,” she wrote on Instagram.
5. KELLY COMES FROM A FAMILY OF ‘RACING ROYALTY’
The Brazilian model comes from a family of “racing royalty”. Her father is F1 legend Nelson Piquet snr, who has been dubbed one of the greatest to ever grace the sport. Piquet won three world championships – 1981, 1983 and 1987 – driving for Brabham, Williams, Lotus and Benetton.
Elena Rybakina has been through to the Abu Dhabi semifinal after ousting world No. 74 Cristina Bucsa.
Rybakina, the top-seeded player in Abu Dhabi, saw off qualifier Bucsa 6-1 6-4 to make her first semifinal at the WTA 500 event in the United Arab Emirates. Previously, Rybakina was a quarterfinalist in Abu Dhabi in 2021 and 2023.
Rybakina, 24, and 26-year-old Bucsa were playing against each other for the second time. Earlier this year, Rybakina also beat Bucsa 6-2 7-5 in the Adelaide International round-of-16.
How Rybakina defeated Bucsa and who is her next opponent?
Rybakina made an emphatic start against Bucsa, claiming back-to-back breaks en route to winning the opening five games of the match. In the sixth game, Bucsa managed to finally serve out one service game and hold to her serve but it didn’t change much as Rybakina routinely served out for the first set in the following game.
After easily losing the first set, Bucsa started playing much better at the start of the second set and she even claimed her first break of the match in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead. However, Bucsa’s lead was short-lived as Rybakina instantly got the break back in the following game.
After recovering from an early break down in the second set, Rybakina broke Bucsa again in the ninth game to go 5-4 up. Serving for the match in the 10th game, Rybakina served out the game to love and routinely closed out the match.
In the Abu Dhabi semifinal, Rybakina plays against No. 8 seed Liudmila Samsonova. In the opening match of Friday’s schedule, Samsonova defeated 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-1 6-4.
Elena Rybakina and Liudmila Samsonova
Elena Rybakina and Liudmila Samsonova© Getty Images Sport – Minas Panagiotakis
When Rybakina and Samsonova meet, it will be their fifth meeting. A bit shockingly, fifth-ranked Rybakina has never beaten world No. 15 Samsonova. After beating Rybakina in 2021 Montreal and 2022 Tokyo, Samsonova also beat the Kazakh last year in Montreal and Beijing.
It remains to be seen if Rybakina can clinch her first win over Samsonova when she meets the No. 8 seed in the Abu Dhabi semifinal.
World no. 4 Jannik Sinner returns to the ATP 500 event in Halle in June, seeking his first grass-court ATP title. The organizers of the Terra Wortmann Open welcomed the Australia Open champion and added his name to the impressive list of reigning Major winners in the Halle draw!
Andre Agassi played as a reigning Major winner during the inaugural edition in 1993, with Yevgeny Kafelnikov joining the party in 1996. Richard Krajicek and Patrick Rafter followed in 1997 and 1999, and Marat Safin secured his place on a notable list in 2005 following his Australian Open triumph.
The Halle Open’s most incredible champion, Roger Federer, fought for the title as a reigning Major winner eight times between 2004 and 2018.
Jannik Sinner, Halle 2023© Thomas F. Starke / Stringer – Getty Images Sport
His great rival Rafael Nadal joined the list in 2005, playing in Halle fresh after his first Major crown in Paris.
Daniil Medvedev became the eighth reigning Major champion in the Halle draw in 2022, and Sinner will be the ninth in four months. The young Italian conquered the Australian Open title in style a few weeks ago, dethroning Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and performing a massive comeback versus Daniil Medvedev in the title clash.
Jannik made his main-draw debut in Halle last year, beating Richard Gasquet and Lorenzo Sonego in three sets and moving into the quarter-final. Seeking his first semi-final since Monte Carlo in April, Sinner retired versus Alexander Bublik after trailing 7-5, 2-0 after 57 minutes.
Jannik Sinner will compete in Halle in June.
The Italian strained his adductor while sliding, trying to reach one of the Kazakh’s drop shots and suffering an injury that forced him to quit, not risking more serious issues ahead of Wimbledon.
Jannik required a medical timeout after the opening set and retired after falling 2-0 down in the second. Bublik dropped serve once and secured three breaks from as many chances, taking the opener with a late return game before his rival retired.
They served well early on, with Alexander opening a 2-1 lead with a nice volley and Jannik locking the result at 2-2 with a hold at love. They fired more winners in games five and six, staying neck and neck after 19 minutes.
Sinner made the first wrong steps on serve in the eighth game, playing a loose forehand and falling 5-3 behind.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2024© Handout / Handout – Getty Images Sport
Jannik fought well in the next one, defending a set point with a backhand crosscourt winner and pulling the break back with a drop shot winner, returning to the positive side.
Sinner held in game ten with a smash winner, adding more drama. Bublik recovered and held at 15 in game 11 for a 6-5 lead, securing a tie break. Instead of reaching it, Jannik faced three set points on serve in game 12. Alexander seized the first after passing his rival at the net, wrapping up the opener 7-5 after 43 minutes.
Sinner received a medical timeout off the court, but it did not help him. Jannik got broken in the second game of the second set after Alexander’s forehand down the line winner, falling 2-0 behind and deciding to end his campaign.
The Italian recovered in the following weeks and reached the Wimbledon semi-final, falling to Novak Djokovic in straight sets after a massive battle in the third.
It takes a village: How Sierzputowski steers Swiatek to success
Maria Sharapova will create with other athletes a cultural zeitgeist of sport
Bianca Belair Wants Her Husband Montez Ford To Be WWE Champion
Maria Sharapova plans 1st trip back to Chernobyl
Most Beautiful, Challenging, and Rewarding gift! Maria Sharapova Basking in New Role of a Doting Mother
SCHEDULE/PREVIEW | 2024 AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY ONE HEADLINED BY DJOKOVIC, SABALENKA, SINNER
