Iga Swiatek admits to being under pressure going into the WTA Finals 2023 as she looks to replace Aryna Sabalenka as the World No. 1

Iga Swiatek admits that she is eyeing the No.1 spot.

Iga Swiatek admits to being under pressure going into the WTA Finals 2023 as she looks to replace Aryna Sabalenka as the World No. 1

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek ( ESPN India, Eurosport)

World No.2 Iga Swiatek in a recent interview talked about feeling a certain kind of pressure going to compete at the WTA Finals in Mexico scheduled to start on the 29th of October.

The Pole recently lost her World No.1 position to Aryna Sabalenka after suffering a shocking defeat to Jelena Ostapenko in the round of 16 fixture of the US Open earlier this year. Swiatek admitted she is a little anxious and feels the pressure as she aims to win the WTA Finals and reclaim her World No.1 position. When asked if she faced the pressure of competing in Mexico, Iga stated, ” Obviously, I think we all do, it is a part of the job, on the other hand I feel I can really enjoy playing here.”

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While Iga Swiatek mentioned that she was happy to play in Mexico, she admitted to being under pressure with the World No. 1 rank also on the line.

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"Obviously, I think we all do. It comes with the job. But on the other hand, I feel I can really enjoy just playing and hopefully be able to win here."
Iga Swiatek speaking with the press in Cancun.

Currently, Aryna Sabalenka is at 8,425 points, which is 630 more than the Polish. Iga’s goal will be influenced a lot by the Belarusian’s performance. If in any case, Sabalenka reaches the finals, the number 1 spot will be confirmed for her. To make matters more difficult for the 3 time French Open champion, the two are in separate draws and will not face each other until the semi-final stage of the tournament.

Iga Swiatek lost her No.1 rank post her US Open defeat

The 4 time Grand Slam Champion, Iga Swiatek lost her No.1 spot to Aryna Sabalenka after her surprising defeat to Jelena Ostapenko in the round of 16 stage of the US Open this year. The Polish lost her top rank after holding it for an impressive 75 weeks straight after Ashleigh Barty’s sudden retirement from the sport.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek ( Credits: The Globe and Mail)

If Iga Swiatek faces Aryna Sabalenka, she will also look to take revenge for her last years’ WTA semi-final’s defeat to the World No.1. Sabalenka was the runner up last year at the WTA Finals. Talking about her chances in this tournament, Iga further added, “Physically I think I am one of the best players and there is nothing more that I can do now, but just practice to get the feel of the court.”

Iga Swiatek will look to come back stronger at the WTA Finals in Mexico and must reach the finals in order to have a chance to finish the year on top once again.

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