Iga Swiatek said Friday that a “peaceful” off-season has made her more focused heading into the Australian Open, where she hopes to win her maiden Grand Slam championship.
Iga Swiatek, the world number one, said Friday that a “peaceful” off-season had helped her focus ahead of the Australian Open, where she hopes to win her maiden Grand Slam championship. The Polish top seed is in imperious form, having dropped only one set in five victories at the United Cup mixed-teams competition in Perth. She enters the year’s first Grand Slam as the favorite, on a 16-match winning streak that includes victories at the China Open and the WTA Finals. “It was nice to play some high-quality matches against the top players (at the United Cup),” stated the player. “I realized I’m feeling pretty confident, a little bit more confident than last year.” Hopefully, this mood will stick with me.”
Swiatek’s victory over Jessica Pegula in the WTA Finals in Cancun returned her to the top ranking slot she had occupied for much of the previous two seasons.
Still only 22, she said she had learnt to better handle the expectations that come with being world number one, and that she viewed her off-season differently.
“I’d say it was more peaceful. “I literally could only focus on practicing and resting,” she explained.
“I was really dedicated. I didn’t feel fatigued.
“I didn’t feel burdened with this off-court stuff.” I could truly simply concentrate. As if every day was truly perfect. That’s why I think I was a little bit better.”
Swiatek has four Grand Slam titles: three French Opens and one US Open. Her finest Melbourne achievement, however, was reaching the semi-finals in 2022.
She will begin her career with a repeat of the 2020 Roland Garros final versus Sofia Kenin, in which she won her maiden major title.
Kenin entered the match as the reigning Australian Open champion, but was defeated 6-4, 6-1 and dropped down the rankings.
But the American has moved from outside the top 200 to number 38 in a year, and Swiatek is worried.
“I played Sofia in my first Grand Slam final, and now we’re in the first round.” It’s quite strange. “That’s how our life paths diverged,” she explained.
“I’m aware she’s been playing some good tennis.” It will not be simple. I’ll just get ready the same way I always do.
“We’re going to discuss tactics.” We haven’t played in a long time.”
Whoever wins will face a second-round match against either 2016 Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber or 2022 Melbourne Park finalist Danielle Collins.
