World number one
Iga Swiatek believes that women’s tennis
remains extremely competitive despite the change of guard in the last five
years.
Women’s tennis has seen a more drastic change in competing
for big titles compared to men’s tennis in the recent past. The likes of
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have retired whereas Simona Halep is currently
spending time off after receiving a ban for testing positive in a dope test.
In their absence, new faces have emerged who are taking
women’s tennis forward. Swiatek, who is often regarded as the best player
currently playing in the women’s singles category, was recently quoted in a
report where she admitted that three players including herself, Aryna Sabalenka
and Elena Rybakina are playing consistently at a different level whereas others
are definitely trying to reach there.
“The women’s tennis has been at a consistent level for the
last couple of seasons,” said the Polish tennis star. “Me, Aryna and Elena, I
feel, are standing out and playing consistently but there others who are also
just trying to get better. However, for me there is no difference.
I like to work at my own pace, but when somebody is
competing with you and keeps pushing you then it has a positive impact and a
negative impact, but I don’t over analyse it.
Swiatek, who is already a four-time Grand Slam winner, is
currently taking part in the World Tennis League and while talking about it,
stated that the tournament gives her an opportunity to experiment ahead of the
2024 season.
“This tournament gives me the opportunity to implement what
I have been practicing during the preseason against the best players here,” she
said. “I played well against Rybakina and I felt it is something like what we
have experienced in the WTA Tour. So pretty nice.”