“It's smarter to focus on tennis and the ranking will come after that”: Iga Swiatek stays grounded despite chance to reclaim No. 1 spot
WTA
Iga Swiatek has stated that reclaiming the World No. 1 spot is not her main goal as she continues her campaign at the Australian Open. The 5-time Grand Slam champion lost the top ranking to Aryna Sabalenka just weeks before the end of last season.
Swiatek has already cemented her place among the greats, even within the 29 women to hold the World No. 1 ranking during the WTA Tour's Open Era. At just 23 years old, she has spent 125 weeks at the top, placing her seventh in the all-time standings, ahead of players like Ashleigh Barty (121), Justine Henin (117), and Lindsay Davenport (98).
The world No. 2 also surpasses all other active players who have reached the summit, including Sabalenka, Wozniacki, Halep, Azarenka, Osaka, Pliskova, and Venus Williams.
Swiatek eyes consistency over rankings
The World No. 2 has made a strong start to the Australian Open with commanding victories over Katerina Siniakova (6-3, 6-4) and Rebecca Sramkova (6-0, 6-2). She is set to face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the third round as she looks to progress to the second week of the tournament. Last year, Swiatek was upset by Noskova in the third round, so a win here would allow her to start earning key ranking points.
In her recent press conference, Swiatek acknowledged that reclaiming the No. 1 ranking isn’t something she’s overly focused on. She emphasized that as long as she plays superior tennis throughout the year, the top spot will take care of itself.
"I remember for the past two years I started at No. 1, so I felt like I needed to show from the beginning of the season my tools and what I can play,” said the 4-time Roland Garros champion. “Yeah, there was a lot of pressure starting the year as No. 1, but I think overall last year I didn't think about it this much anyway."
"Also, I realized last year that I don't have 100% influence on what happens with my ranking sometimes. So now I just focus on tennis,” she added. “If I play well, I know I'll be back at No. 1. If I don't and Aryna plays better, she'll be No. 1. I think it's just smarter to focus on tennis, and the ranking will come after that."
At the moment, Swiatek is on track to regain the World No. 1 ranking because Sabalenka, as the defending champion, cannot gain additional points. The Belarusian is just over 200 points behind Swiatek in the live rankings, meaning her only way to ensure she keeps the top spot is by winning the title. Otherwise, she’ll have to rely on an early exit by Swiatek.
A tight battle for the top ranking is expected in the coming months. Once the Australian Open concludes, Swiatek will face a significant point defence between February and March, followed by defending two more high-level titles and her French Open crown during the clay swing. These will offer crucial opportunities for Sabalenka to close the gap.
Iga good, Iga too good as she sails through to the third round 6-0 6-2 in an hour 🤩@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • @iga_swiatek • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/tc01UEWABV
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
