Chris Evert finds Iga Swiatek’s passion to reclaim the World No. 1 rank enough to see her defeat Jessica Pegula in the finale of the 2023 WTA Finals

Chris Evert believes Iga Swiatek has it in her to win the WTA finals and finish the year on top once again.

Chris Evert finds Iga Swiatek’s passion to reclaim the World No. 1 rank enough to see her defeat Jessica Pegula in the finale of the 2023 WTA Finals

Chris Evert and Iga Swiatek ( Credits: Sport Illustrated, NDTV Sports)

The WTA Finals has reached its last match, an exciting final clash between rivals, World No. 2, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula in Mexico. The Polish had already mentioned her goal of reclaiming the No. 1 position and performing well at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.

Former American World No. 1, Christ Evert, expressed her full support for Iga Swiatek, as she believes that her passion to get the No. 1 rank is enough motivation for the Polish to defeat Jessica Pegula in the finals of the WTA Finals. 

She wants to finish the year strong. And I think she’s got enough left over to pull it off.

Chris Evert said via We Love Tennis
YouTube video

For context, Iga Swiatek defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals to reach the finals of the WTA Finals. The Polish has improved her chances of reclaiming her No. 1 position from Sabalenka after she lost it in the US Open earlier this year, following her shocking defeat against Jelena Ostapenko in the round of 16 stage of the tournament. 

FS Video

Tennis legend and 18-time Grand Slam title winner Chris Evert further opened up about how she feels that the urge to come back on top will definitely give Iga Swiatek the push she needs to emerge victorious against Jessica Pegula in the finals. Talking about her recent performances, Evert added:

The last couple of weeks, she’s done really well, winning the title in Beijing and now getting to this final. Iga had a disappointing Wimbledon and a disappointing US Open.

Chris Evert backs Iga Swiatek and says she will bounce back stronger to end the year at the top

The American tennis star came into Iga Swiatek’s defense and said that although she has had only one major slam this year to her name, she has a long time to go in her career. Speaking about the Polish, Chris Evert said: 

I know that some people have been disappointed with her 2023 season because the only major she won was Roland Garros, but look at the overall picture: She’s 22 years old.
Iga Swiatek and Chris Evert
Iga Swiatek and Chris Evert ( Credits: Roland-Garros)

Speaking about the Polish returning to the top of the ranks, Evert further stated: 

If she wins this, and finishes the year-end back at No.1, is she the Player of the Year? I think so. The No.1 ranking hangs in the balance, and Iga does not want anything less. She came here to reclaim it, and she won't stop in the final.

That’s not all; as per the former tennis professional herself, Swiatek’s undeniable motivation to end the year on a high is enough, and that will definitely help her take the trophy at the WTA Finals. With that being said, it seems like Chris Evert believes Iga Swiatek has it in her to win the WTA finals and finish the year on top once again.

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