Another Naomi Osaka-like tragedy? Iga Swiatek now reveals anxiety episodes for the first time since becoming World No.1
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Current World No.1 and three-time major champion Iga Swiatek has revealed how she broke down in anxiety after former No.1 Asheligh Barty retired in March this year, making her the new effective leader in the rankings.
“The fact that Ash decided to end her career, I was number two for less than a week, and then in one day I became number one,” Swiatek said, while adding “That meant that I quickly found myself in a new, incredibly demanding situation.”
“It was hard not to have expectations after winning six tournaments for six months. I formulated them for myself, but also the outside world imposed them on me. There were voices of anxiety about what was happening to me after losing one game,” she added.
However, Swiatek coped rather well with the pressure, as after becoming the new No.1, she won four more titles in a row in Miami, Stuttgart, Rome and the French Open.
Iga Swiatek skips Billie Jean King Cup, criticizes tennis groups for forcing “impossible,” “unsafe” schedule
Swiatek recently pulled out of the Billie Jean King Cup citing an “impossible” and “unsafe” schedule ahead of her WTA Finals appearance. The Pole apparently took the decision in order to be fully ready for the WTA Finals, with only one day and miles to cover between the two tournaments becoming a seemingly impossible task.
ITF chief David Haggerty hit back by putting the blame on the WTA for not taking requests on a change in venue. As things stand in tennis, the ITF currently is in charge of the Grand Slams and country-based team competitions such as the Billie Jean King Cup, while the WTA hosts all other tournaments throughout the year.
“The ITF is sorry that Iga Swiatek is unable to take part and recognizes that the schedule for the two major year-end events presents a challenge for players competing in both events,” President David Haggerty told Reuters.
“We have been working with the WTA to try to coordinate suitable dates. While we were able to confirm the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Glasgow back in June, the WTA Finals venue in Fort Worth, Texas was confirmed during the US Open and restricted in terms of available dates,” he added.
However, fans on Twitter weren’t impressed as many called her move selfish for money reasons.
Also Read: Petra Kvitova analyzes Iga Swiatek’s “men like game” that makes her stand out against her opponents
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Ashish Maggo
(191 Articles Published)