Iga Swiatek Focused on Fixing Her Game As Top Seed at the Qatar Open

Iga Swiatek is the top seed at the Qatar Open after Aryna Sabalenka‘s withdrawal. The Polish star is seeking to win her first title of the season after exiting the Australian Open in the quarter-finals. The World No.2 is aiming for the title in Qatar, but she’s more focused on implementing changes in her game.

Swiatek arrives at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha after a loss to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open. She wasn’t at her best at the first Grand Slam of the season as she struggled against Rybakina, losing after just an hour and 35 minutes. In fact, she lost eight of the last nine games in the match against Rybakina.

However, Doha has been a happy hunting ground for Swiatek in the past. She thrashed former World No.2 Anna Kontaveit in the 2022 final to win her maiden Qatar Open. That started an incredible run where she won the tournament three times in a row. But last year, she exited in the semi-finals losing to eventual runner-up Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.

She has the opportunity to win the Qatar Open this season, following the withdrawal of several top players. Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, and Marta Kostyuk have withdrawn from the first WTA 1000 tournament of the season. She has only Coco Gauff, Rybakina, and defending champion Amanda Anisimova to contend with.

Nonetheless, her victories on the court this year have been slightly marred by some poor performances and damaging defeats. During her press conference at the Qatar Open, Swiatek opened up about fixing her serve at the tournament and her positioning during games ahead of her opening match.

There are some different [things] that I’m doing, but at the same time moving the elbow more back or getting the hips more. It’s not a change of motion, it’s just like what intentions you want to have when you do the motion. I wouldn’t call it a change. I don’t think it’s physical that much. From time to time you always have to remind yourself of stuff like that in tennis. So the same case on the backhand, the same case on the forehand. I feel like I need to focus on that more.

Swiatek has not won a tour-level title since claiming the Korean Open in September. She has also not reached a singles final on tour since then. The only time she got to a final during that period was at the United Cup in January, where she helped Poland win their maiden mixed-gender championship after finishing as runners-up twice.

Iga Swiatek happy to be in Doha as she aims for her fourth championship win

Swiatek arrived in Doha early, engaging in various off-court activities to promote the WTA 1000 event. The World No.2 was seen with defending champion Amanda Anisimova in some parts of the city, visiting beautiful places, including the city museum. Having won the title three times, she will be desperate to win her fourth in five years, while showcasing some of her best tennis to her fans in Qatar.

During the aforementioned press conference, Swiatek noted that the court in Doha is a little different from the usual hard court, as it has a faster surface, which makes it difficult for players to adapt to. However, after having a good time to practice on the Center Court, she also had a good time around the city.

I’ve been working on my serve, forehand, and my footwork. You can’t wait for the ball to come to you here. These museums are so fresh and you can see that they’re new and in beautiful places next to the water. We took some nice photos and saw some nice pieces of art.

Swiatek was handed a first-round bye and will kick off her campaign in the second round against Janice Tjen. The 24-year-old will possibly face Jasmine Paolini in the quarter-finals and could face Anisimova in the semi-finals as they are on the same side of the draw.

Also Read: Daniil Medvedev Issues Scathing Attack on HEAD Tennis Balls at Rotterdam Open

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