Polish tennis player Iga Świątek, who just qualified to the quarter final of the US Open in the women’s singles tournament after her win against Liudmila Samsonova, is taking a page out of Ted Lasso‘s playbook.
The No. 1 ranked player, who is a noted fan of the show, said she carries the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ comedy’s sense of “positivity” with her as she plays on the court. In attendance at the match-up was the show’s co-developer, star, writer and executive producer Jason Sudeikis.
“It’s a totally different sport because [in Ted Lasso] it’s all about team spirit,” she said in a new interview following the game. “Here a little bit as well with my team, but obviously we’re alone on the court.”
The pro player admitted she attempted to hone in on the court despite knowing Sudeikis was watching, though it didn’t seem to distract too much from her play given her win.
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“I actually tried to avoid looking at the screens, but I saw him tonight,” she said, chuckling. “I wanted to stay focused and I hope he appreciates my mentality because this is what Ted Lasso is all about. I hope he enjoys, though, and he’s not working right now on a new [season] or something.”
After her win, Świątek took to social media to celebrate, writing simply, “QF @usopen,” alongside a gif of the good-natured football coach hitting his trademark yellow “Believe” poster.
Though she hoped for a period of respite, Sudeikis might be back to work sooner than later. As reported exclusively by Deadline last month, Ted Lasso saw a major step forward in the greenlighting of Season 4 as cast members Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein and Jeremy Swift had their options picked up by the show’s studio, Warner Bros. Television.