Iga Swiatek admits her finish to 2023 ‘EXCEEDED’ her own expectations after losing the World No. 1 rank to Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek reclaimed her World No.1 throne within three months of losing it.

Iga Swiatek admits her finish to 2023 ‘EXCEEDED’ her own expectations after losing the World No. 1 rank to Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek (Image via Reuters)

Polish tennis ace Iga Swiatek came back strong after an early exit at the 2023 US Open following a defeat to Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round. The 22-year-old went on to win the China Open and then the season-ending championships, the 2023 WTA Finals. But most of all, Swiatek reclaiming her World No.1 throne in a span of two months became the talking point.

The Polish ace was hurt after losing the No.1 rankings to Aryna Sabalenka who reached the finals at the 2023 US Open. However, she had promised to take a cue from the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic on how to bounce back from a setback and she fulfilled it.

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Swiatek made it to the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Open and then won the title in China, followed by the WTA title. As a result, she ended the year as the top-ranked player. Now, as the new season is just about to kick off, Swiatek has looked back at her 2023 campaign and has claimed that the finish of the season exceeded her expectations.

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It was certainly a demanding season that taught me a lot and which makes me even more proud. This year-end result exceeded all my expectations. The fact that I came back to No. 1 and that it happened in Cancun with all the pressure and strange circumstances."
Iga Swiatek told Eurosport.

Iga Swiatek believes Aryna Sabalenka deserved to end as World No.1

While Iga Swiatek claimed that the end to the 2023 season exceeded her expectations, the Polish ace also reviewed Aryna Sabalenka’s seasons who gave her a tough competition throughout the year. Swiatek believes that although she finished at the help at the end of the season, the Belarusian deserved it more.

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Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Images via Eurosport)

Iga Swiatek heaped praise on Aryna Sabalenka for her consistency and feels that the Belarusian had an amazing season even if she could not save her World No.2 throne. 

She deserved it. She had a great season. She won a Grand Slam, was in the final of another Grand Slam, and in two semi-finals, so it was an amazing season.

Talking about the pressure of saving the No.1 spot for herself, Swiatek said that it became a bit overwhelming for her. However, focusing on other things helped the Pole to clear the clutter that held her back at the US Open.

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