By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday August 25, 2023
Taking part in with a goal on her again in 2023 hasn’t been such a foul expertise for Iga Swiatek.
The highest-ranked Pole, who will play for her fifth main title throughout this 12 months’s US Open, says that she has realized lots from being the hunted somewhat than the hunter. Her destiny was sealed when she reeled off 37 consecutive wins in 2022, after which completed her Grand Slam season by profitable her first US Open title.
The remainder of the tour had no selection however to rally. They’ve been taking part in catchup ever sincd, specializing in discovering methods to beat her.
“I might say at first of this season was fairly robust for me,” Swiatek stated. “I realized essentially the most as a result of I felt like everyone began to research my recreation, to be taught just a little bit extra. They sort of centered on profitable towards me. So it wasn’t simple. I felt that.”
Quite than really feel sorry for herself, Swiatek took it upon herself to boost her recreation even increased.
“Then again, if you wish to be the perfect participant on the earth, it’s important to be prepared for that, she stated. “I realized that I ought to simply concentrate on myself, not likely take into consideration rankings and factors, simply concentrate on growing as a participant as a result of there are lots of issues I need to change or enhance.”
With 50 wins and 4 titles on the season, Swiatek has confirmed that she will fend off the premier forces within the sport.
Swiatek gained her fourth main title at Roland-Garros this 12 months, turning into the fifth energetic participant – male or feminine – to carry a minimum of 4 majors. She’s more than pleased to tackle the challenges that different high gamers corresponding to Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and coco Gauff are delivering to her facet of the court docket.
Swiatek believes she doesn’t must overthink issues – she simply must proceed studying and evolving as a participant.
Once I actually dig into work exhausting, that is the time the place I progress essentially the most, when my tennis is simply getting higher,” she stated. “So I realized that you simply should not actually simply overanalyze it or give it some thought. It is best to simply play the sport the identical manner as you’ll in case your rating could be decrease.
“You simply have to make use of the expertise, for certain, and the arrogance, however nonetheless do not forget that crucial factor is to develop as a participant.
“I am nonetheless 22, so I’ve lots to be taught.”