“Iga Swiatek has the most similar personality as Steffi Graf” – Serena Williams’ ex-coach makes interesting comparison after Pole’s Wimbledon heroics

Iga Swiatek’s personality was recently likened to that of the legendary Steffi Graf by Rennae Stubbs, a former doubles No. 1 who coached Serena Williams for the 2022 US Open. Stubbs voiced her take in the aftermath of the Pole winning the women’s singles title at the Wimbledon Championships.

Heading into this year’s Wimbledon, Swiatek hadn’t won a title since tasting glory at the 2024 French Open. However, on the grass courts of SW19, the Pole was unstoppable. The former No. 1 lost only one set on her way to the final, and at the last hurdle, she ruthlessly dismantled the hopes of Amanda Anisimova, dealing the 23-year-old American a chastening 6-0, 6-0 defeat in under an hour.

Lauding Iga Swiatek’s work ethic and undeniable ability to bounce back from setbacks, Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs compared the Pole’s personality to that of former No. 1 and 22-time singles Major champion, Steffi Graf.

Trending

"She’s the most similar person and personality, not playing style obviously, but just personality, as Steffi Graf," Stubbs said on a recent episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.

The 54-year-old Australian went on to briefly shed light on why she believes Swiatek and Graf's personalities are similar.

"It’s just like head down, momentum doesn’t stop, you do not take anything for granted, and you just keep going. That’s the similarity for me with Steffi, with Iga Swiatek," she added.

Iga Swiatek equaled Steffi Graf's feat with Wimbledon final trouncing of Amanda Anisimova

Iga Swiatek became the only other woman in the Open Era to register a 6-0, 6-0 win in the final of a tennis Major with her triumph in the 2025 Wimbledon final, with Steffi Graf having achieved the feat at the 1988 French Open. On that occasion, the German came out on top against Natasha Zvereva from Belarus in the final of the claycourt Slam. It marked Graf's third Slam success overall and her second title triumph at Roland Garros.

The German's 1988 French Open campaign was a memorable one. She didn't lose a single set throughout the course of the tournament and lost only 20 games spanning the seven matches she played. The duration of the final, at 34 minutes, also became a talking point and to this day, it remains the Open Era's shortest Slam final.

Outside the Open Era, the only time a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline was recorded at a Major final was way back in 1911, when Dorothea Lambert Chambers defeated Dora Boothby at Wimbledon.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

About the author

Sudipto Pati

Sudipto is a Tennis journalist at Sportskeeda holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He has an experience of 3+ years across the market research, travel, health, lifestyle and sports sectors.

Sudipto has followed Tennis since the early 2000s and stays up-to-date with the sport by following both active and former Tennis players, and seasoned journalists. He also follows ATP and WTA updates, watches documentaries and interviews of professionals, and only reads esteemed publications. He sources all information for his articles only from credible publications stays away from unsubstantiated claims. In just a matter of 3 months, he has gained a readership of almost 2 million at Sportskeeda!

Sudipto admires Rafael Nadal for his fiercely competitive on-court nature and his ability to make memorable comebacks after injury layoffs. The Spaniard may be the GOAT for him, but he also respects the accomplishments of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Beyond Tennis, Sudipto also has an interest in music, football, and video games alongside cooking and traveling.

Know More