"I carried a burden": Iga Swiatek admits pressure got too much as World No.1, enjoyed game more when Sabalenka took over

Iga Swiatek returned to World Number One at the end of the season after winning the WTA Finals. But by her own admission, it was a position that initially ground the Polish ace down.

Swiatek admitted in a recent interview that the World Number One ranking became a 'burden' and that she felt free when she was rid of it so she could focus on her game again.

It was a limelight that in reality was thrust upon her with Ashleigh Barty retiring and the ranking was then handed to her as a result. But losing the spot also made her produce some of her best to get it back including winning the WTA Finals.

"In the middle of the year I carried a burden related to - I do not like this term and I try to avoid it - maintaining the ranking," she said to Sportowe Fakty.

"Aryna Sabalenka had many chances to jump over me, it finally happened. Then I felt free. It was a bit easier for me to focus only on my game again."