Stability helps Iga’s star shine bright

THE women’s singles was even more one-sided than the menmen’s. At no point did Iga Swiatek look even close to losing a set. Nobody even got more than five games off her.

The Pole (right) is only 19, was outside the top 50 and simply not supposed to win yet, but that’s youth. No boundaries, no limitations. ons.

I can barely remember anyone looking so enthusiastic to compete. There was an urgency in every ball she played and a footwork speed and grace that would look at home on a West End stage. Another star has emerged, one likely to be around for many years. She has not rushed on to the circuit despite a brilliant junior career. She maintained her studies and uses the same rackets she got five years ago. Perhaps a part of that stability comes from her father Tomasz, an Olympic rower. Another who has played his part in her development is her British coach, my old mate Nick Brown. Women’s tennis is blessed with an exciting array of youngsters and it now seems unlikely Serena Williams will achieve that recordbreaking 24th grand slam, although you never write her off.

A big issue, though, is the effect coronavirus is having on the tour’s commercial prospects.

The players are interesting and standards as high as they have ever been, but will sponsors stick around with so many tournaments being cancelled and no possibility of entertaining guests on site? On court, 2021 could be spectacular. Off it, there is much talking to do.