Świątek reveals changes ahead of 2022 season: "I want to save energy and experience less failure"

At a recent press conference back in Poland, Iga Świątek summed up her 2021 season and how she will combat her reactions after defeats.

This became evident in particular during her loss to Maria Sakkari at the WTA Finals where she was emotional and distraught after losing to the Greek ace.

"After a match, people are flooded with many different emotions. I am a person who does not like to lose. I am working on it because I know that at the end of the week only one of many players wins the tournament," said Świątek.

She also revealed what she was pleased about during the season with in particular not getting injured and maintaining consistency while not having a massive title win.

"For sure I am happy that I did not have any injuries during the whole season. Injuries are a huge challenge for sportsmen. I am glad that this year I could only concentrate on my work, on achieving my goals. Nothing stopped us," she continued.

"The second aspect that I am satisfied with is the consistency presented throughout the season. I didn't have one super result like in 2020, but I reached the fourth round in every Grand Slam tournament. That gives a lot of confidence. I hope to continue my stability in the next years, but at a higher level."

Next up is the 2022 season and for Swiatek, preparation has began back home ahead of heading to Australia.

"I have always enjoyed the preparation period. It's such a way out of the routine, because after all the trips during the year are tiring. I hope we will be able to train solidly in Poland. I want to enjoy my home, charge myself with positive energy. It is also true that the pandemic situation is becoming unclear. I think that after a few weeks my desire to travel will return. I am glad that the first tournaments are in Australia, where the climate will be so different from ours."

Forming a successful partnership with Bethanie Mattek-Sands affectionally known as TekTekBoom, this won't be on the cards as much in 2022 with Swiatek looking to dedicate herself more to singles.

"I try not to set myself performance goals, because I know how many factors have to come together to win, for example, a Grand Slam tournament. I just want to work hard week after week because then the results will come. I want to focus on making the tournaments a little less tough. So that I can save my energy and not experience too much defeat."