Navratilova backs Swiatek to end season with World Number One still in tact: "But it's a lot closer than it was this time last year"
WTA
Former world number one Martina Navratilova has backed
Poland’s Iga Swiatek to finish the year as the top-ranked WTA player.
The 22-year-old is sitting at the top of the ladder in the
WTA rankings for quite some time but the gap is now being closed with the likes
of Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus who is now just a tournament win away from
dethroning her.
However, former great Navratilova was quoted in a report
where she backed Swiatek to still finish the year as the number one player.
"Other than Coco Gauff, I think she’s the best mover,
efficient and quick. I think she’s still the favorite to finish the year No.1
but, it’s a lot closer than it was this time last year,” she said.
The Warsaw-born will be looking to continue her good form
after winning a WTA title on her home soil.
She will be defending her crown in the upcoming US Open as
she won it the last year after defeating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the final in
straight sets with a score of 6-2, 7-6.
Other than that, Swiatek has also won three French Open
titles in her young career in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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