Iga Swiatek has compared Karolina Muchova to Roger Federer and called her an “amazing player” ahead of the duo’s clash at the 2026 Indian Wells Open.
Swiatek will face 13th-ranked Czech star in the fourth round at the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells on Wednesday.
Swiatek is gunning for her third Indian Wells title after she had earlier won in 2022 and 2024. On the other hand, Muchova is seeking her second WTA 1000 title after winning her maiden trophy in Doha last month.
Both players have progressed to the fourth round after dominating wins in the third round. Swiatek beat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 and Muchova thrashed Antonia Ruzic 6-0, 6-3.
Swiatek has an advantage in head-to-head, leading 4-1, with Muchova winning the pair’s fir-ever clash in Prague in 2019.
When asked about her success she has had against Muchova, the 24-year-old said: “Well, the way you started that question, I don’t want to expect that, because yes, like the head-to-head might be to my side, but I can remember all these matches I played against her, sometimes I was down, like, break in third, you know.”
“She’s an amazing player, and most of the times we played really tight matches. It’s going to be tough, and I’m ready for the battle.
“Honestly, I love playing against her. I also love watching Karolina. Yeah, it’s just nice to see someone who plays so smart and so smooth. She’s like women’s Roger (Federer).”
The six-time Grand Slam champion also explained why she chose to skip the Dubai WTA 1000 ahead of Indian Wells.
“Well, it’s not like I played Indian Wells bad before (smiling). I think it’s just different planning, but both work,” Swiatek said.
“Also, 2022 I missed Madrid, but then I always played it. So I think we need to sometimes react to what we need at this particular moment, regardless of the past results or the history of some tournaments.
“So, yeah, I felt like I needed some time on the practice court also. Remember that Australia was pushed, so we got one week less between the tournaments to practice.
“Yeah, I felt like I could do this grind and really, like, solid work training block in Warsaw. It’s always helpful, for sure.”
