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

WTA
Thursday, 23 November 2023 at 15:00
Photo - Imago

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."

claps 0visitors 108

Just In

Popular News