Iga Swiatek admits to being better prepared to become the World No. 1 as she closes the gap to Aryna Sabalenka, claims China Open made her comfortable like the French Open 

Iga Swiatek won her first WTA 1000 title in 2023.

Iga Swiatek admits to being better prepared to become the World No. 1 as she closes the gap to Aryna Sabalenka, claims China Open made her comfortable like the French Open 

Iga Swiatek win the title in Beijing (Images via China Open X)

World No.2 Iga Swiatek who lost out on the No.1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka after crashing out of the 2023 US Open has said that she is now better prepared to sit at the top of the table. The Polish ace recently won the China Open (WTA 1000 tournament) and hence is closing in on the gap with Sabalenka in ranking points. 

Both players will not be playing at the WTA 500 tournament in Zhengzhou, meaning the gap of 590 points between Swiatek and Sabalenka will not be covered. However, both Swiatek and Sabalenka have qualified for the WTA Finals and will be competing at the year-end tournament. Their performance in Mexico will decide who will sit at the top of the WTA rankings. 

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Iga Swiatek seems better prepared considering she is catching up on the lost momentum after her defeat to Jelena Ostapenko at the 2023 US Open. The Pole reached the quarterfinals of the Japan Open and now won the title in Beijing.

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“I would say if I would become World No. 1 again, for sure I think I would be kind of more prepared for everything. It’s not like I would change some things exactly, but I would know how to deal with them at this point. I think if I learn and take lessons from it, it’s going to be easier. But for sure the first thing is getting there. I’ll just try to do that. For now, step by step. I’ll just celebrate this trophy,” said Swiatek after her win in Beijing (via WTA).

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Iga Swiatek reveals what helped her clinch the title in Beijing

Iga Swiatek’s title win in Beijing was inspired by the lively atmosphere despite this being her maiden appearance at the WTA 1000 event. Swiatek has revealed how this win has boosted her confidence and has claimed that it has made her comfortable like the French Open title win did earlier this year.

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Iga Swiatek (Image via China Open X)

Talking about her title win, the Polish ace said that something clicked in Beijing. “Here in Beijing it just worked. Every day I was able to keep this attitude. I think I really just enjoyed playing here on this surface and on these stadiums. Everything kind of worked,” said Swiatek.

“Sometimes I feel like that at Roland Garros, that I really know this place, that everything is really nice and comfortable. Here I’m for the first time, but I also felt that. I just enjoyed my team here in Beijing, and that also had some influence.”

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