Iga Swiatek has opened up on the dilemma she faced after losing the World No. 1 ranking to
Aryna Sabalenka at the
US Open last month.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had been at the top of the WTA Ranking for 75 weeks, which is the tenth-longest amount of time in history. However, this reign came to an end at the last Grand Slam of the year in New York.
The Polish player was the defending champion at Flushing Meadows but suffered a shock defeat to Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round. Meanwhile, second seed Sabalenka reached the final where she finished as runner-up to Coco Gauff. As a result, the Belarusian overtook Swiatek in the rankings when they were updated the following week.
Swiatek says she was torn about chasing No. 1 ranking
Since then, the 22-year-old has been asked on multiple occasions about her emotions regarding losing the No. 1 ranking. She previously explained in a statement on social media last month that she was more focused on gaining and achieving than defending.
"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.
Swiatek has since expanded on this, revealing that she did consider playing every tournament simply to chase the No. 1 ranking but has since re-evaluated her priorities in the sport.
"Before the US Open I was torn about whether I wanted to continue trying, play every tournament to fight to finish the year at #1 in the world. After the US Open I realized there were more important things to take care of. Sometimes it's better to take it easy.
"I've also changed my attitude a bit, I just want to be a better player. Honestly, on one hand, I had to force myself to stop. On the other, I felt that it is not the right way to go. I've had #1 for a long time. I think I deserve a little time to regroup and then be better. Giving up on goals is sometimes not the right way to go.
"I am happy that we have chosen to only play in Tokyo, Beijing and the WTA Finals. I think it would be easier if the WTA Finals were held earlier because then I could have a longer preseason to progress, but we have to adapt," she said.
