"Any result would be insufficient": Iga Swiatek hits back at lofty fan expectations ahead of 2024 season

After having one of the best recent seasons on the WTA tour in 2022, Iga Swiatek admitted she was quick to realize she would not be able to live up to fan expectations for a repeat performance in 2023.

Following the surprise retirement of Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty in March 2022, Swiatek established a stranglehold on the WTA circuit. The Polish star triumphed at two Grand Slams, in addition to winning 37 consecutive matches. However, her results in 2023 were not up to her previous standard, as she won fewer events and one less Grand Slam.

"That period was hard," said Swiatek in an interview with Punto de Break. "When the season started, everyone was wondering how I would play after such a successful year, so I felt that any result I had would be insufficient, anything other than winning the tournament. Instead of wanting to win, I hoped not to lose. It was not something constructive, I started the events in the Middle East with a different approach. I’m glad I got over it quickly."

Although the 22-year old received stiff competition from the likes of Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina in 2023, Swiatek managed to end the year again as World No.1, after briefly losing the position to Sabalenka after the US Open.