By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday November 9, 2023
After locking up the WTA’s No.1 rating by claiming her maiden WTA Finals title on Monday in Cancun, Iga Swiatek despatched some parting phrases to followers, together with reward for all of her friends on the WTA Tour.
“I wish to thank the wonderful girls I compete with on tour,” she stated. “Because of you, I consistently wish to be a greater participant. Each certainly one of us has our personal story and we are able to inform these tales collectively via our sport. I’m grateful for you and for this chance.”
This season, Swiatek was clearly pushed by Aryna Sabalenka, who fought valiantly in her finest season to win her maiden main title and ultimately declare the No.1 rating for the primary time. She additionally gave up some floor to different friends like Coco Gauff, who lastly earned her first win towards her in Cincinnati, earlier than {the teenager} gained her first Slam title on the US Open, and Elena Rybakina, who earned three wins over Swiatek this season.
Jessica Pegula additionally claimed two wins over the Pole in 2023.
By changing into the dominant pressure on tour in 2022, Swiatek has helped elevate the extent of the tour in an enormous approach. This yr, as the remainder of the tour fought for their very own moments within the solar, they helped Swiatek discover the extent that she reached on the conclusion of the season, as she gained titles in Beijing and Cancun to solidify her bid for participant of the yr accolades.
“What a season that was… I noticed, did and discovered a lot,” Swiatek wrote. “Earlier than I’ll begin my a lot wanted trip, I want to depart right here some phrases of appreciation, gratitude and a few ideas. “I want to thank my group. I wouldn’t be on this place with out you. I wish to thank everybody who helps me on daily basis via the ups and downs of each season.
“The most effective issues occur to us when… we cease chasing them.”