"Sabalenka really hurt her this year" says Patrick Mouratoglou on dent in Iga Swiatek's dominance despite WTA Finals win
ATP
Patrick
Mouratoglou analyzed on his Instagram channel Iga Swiatek's outstanding year in
2023 and Aryna Sabalenka's progress in dethroning her as the world No. 1 a few
months ago.
The Polish
player has been the most consistent tennis player in the WTA for the last two
years, which is why she finished as the world No. 1 for the second consecutive
year. Despite losing the position to Sabalenka after the US Open, Swiatek was
able to reclaim the top spot just before the end of the year with her title at
the WTA Finals, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final with a dominant 6-1, 6-0.
French
coach Patrick Mouratoglou commented on Swiatek's successful year, in which she
secured her fourth Grand Slam at the French Open.
“Iga one
more time ends the year as No 1 in the world, so we can talk about dominance,”
Mouratoglou explains.
“Of course,
there is less room between her and the other players. This year, we have to
realise that Sabalenka did an incredible job. She improved a lot. She is very
dangerous, and she threatened Iga a lot.”
“She [Swiatek]
lost to Coco before the US Open. Of course it played a role, because it hurt
her confidence.”
“I feel
that Iga is someone who has a lot of doubts. But she takes doubts away with
work, and work brings victories. But when she starts to be threatened, when she
starts to be beaten a few times, its affects her confidence a lot,” former
Serena Williams coach added.
“That’s why
this year was more difficult, because Sabalenka really hurt her this year. It
hurt her confidence a little bit, compared to last year when she was so
dominant.”
“She
[Swiatek] still ends the season with a Slam and the WTA Finals win, and being
No 1 in the world, so I think we can still talk about dominance.
“But it’s
not as much as before. Now, the other players feel they can beat her. The year
before, not so much.”
“Her No 1
quality is her focus and her ability to produce every day the same quality.
“She is
someone who is extremely professional, extremely dedicated to tennis and
focused on her career.
“She works
on everything… she works on every aspect of her game with the same intensity
and the same quality.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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