Some of my thoughts about... defeding. 😉 Many thanks for all your support on my first journey as a no 1 in women's tennis. 🫶🏼 #keepgoing #gettingstarted
"Clean Slate": Iga Swiatek shares thoughts on failing to defend US Open title
Tennis NewsWednesday, 06 September 2023 at 17:07
Iga Swiatek has opened up on her thoughts about failing to defend her US Open title at this year's New York Grand Slam.
A year ago, Swiatek succeeded in achieving the third of her four major titles as she lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows. The Polish player faced Ons Jabeur in the final and proved she was a force to be reckoned with as she defeated the fifth seed in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6.
However, this year's tournament has contained disappointment for the 22-year-old. Although she seemed to be on good form in the early stages of the Slam, she was ultimately ousted by twentieth seed Jelena Ostapenko in the Round of 16, meaning she will not defend her US Open title from last year.
Moreover, the losses don't end there for Swiatek, as by crashing out of the US Open at this stage, her position as World No. 1 in the WTA Ranking has been usurped by second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Swiatek calls every tournament a 'clean slate'
Despite many fans expressing sadness at her defeat, Swiatek has taken to social media to stress that she does not put a lot of importance on defending. Instead, she wants to focus on gaining and achieving.
"Last 1,5 year was a time of observing and experiencing how much people talk and write about "defending", "defense" - of titles, ranking position, points... I was surprised sometimes to start to think this way because of this.
"But... I don't need to defend anything and this is a good moment to write down some thoughts. For me sport is a cycle of constant changes exactly like in everyday life, we can either win or lose - that's it, so simple. New season, next tournament, new opportunities to GAIN, ACHIEVE, not defend something. Clean slate," she wrote in a note shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The four-time Grand Slam champion then went on to talk about her journey at this year's US Open and North American swing.
"During this year's US swing I could win and achieve more, that's for sure. I know some of you expected more, many of you expected "defending" the no 1 ranking, the title. But I stick to my mindset: when I work hard, I'm developing myself and doing my job, I will create many more chances to WIN, to ACHIEVE my goals and not to defend," she continued.
Finally, Swiatek thanked her fans for supporting her during her impressive 75 weeks as World No. 1.
"What a journey it was as number 1 in women's tennis! Thank you for being with me on this."
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