"Is Iga Swiatek Player of the Year? I think so": Chris Evert refutes "disappointing" season ahead of WTA Finals final

Chris Evert has refuted claims that Iga Swiatek has had a "disappointing" season ahead of the latter's appearance in the 2023 WTA Finals final.

World No. 2 Swiatek qualified for the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun after a successful season during which she defended her French Open title and achieved four more tournament victories on the WTA Tour.

However, there were also some difficult times, such as when she lost her status as World No. 1 to Aryna Sabalenka during the US Open, and when she failed to defend her title at the same Grand Slam.

However, the 22-year-old is ending her season on a high note with a run to the final in Cancun. On the way, she defeated Marketa Vondrousova, Coco Gauff, and Ons Jabeur in the Group Stage, before ousting Sabalenka in the semi-final without dropping a set.

She is now preparing to face World No. 5 Jessica Pegula in the final, and if she defeats the American player Swiatek will re-gain her place as World No. 1 at the top of the WTA Ranking.

Therefore, tennis legend Evert defended the Polish player from claims that she has had a "disappointing" season, instead saying she could be the "player of the year."

"The last couple of weeks, she’s done really well, winning the title in Beijing and now getting to this final. Iga had a disappointing Wimbledon and a disappointing US Open. She wants to finish the year strong. And I think she’s got enough left over to pull it off," the 68-year-old said in an interview at the WTA Finals arena.

"I know that some people have been disappointed with her 2023 season because the only Major she won was Roland Garros, but look at the overall picture: She’s 22 years old. If she wins this, and finishes the year-end back at No.1, is she the Player of the Year? I think so," she continued.