“I don’t feel comfortable,” Iga Swiatek disses ranking hierarchies as she sticks to her opinions and uncompromising inner beliefs

Iga Swiatek was recently asked in her press conference ahead of the Qatar Open whether her No. 1 rank added any extra pressure or burden on her. The Polish international aptly replied that although she has some responsibility as the highest-ranked WTA player, she tried to be the same person irrespective of her ranking. 

Swiatek ended the 2023 tour as World No. 1. Aryna Sabalenka had dethroned her for a brief period after reaching the final of the US Open but the Pole made a quick comeback by winning the Japan Open and the WTA Finals. However, she could not keep up the same performance in the 2024 Australian Open, her first tournament of 2024. She lost to Linda Noskova in the third round of the tournament. 

The Pole said that as World No. 1, everyone expects Iga Swiatek to behave a certain way and have a stand in things that matter. If she is not comfortable doing that, though, she can always just say that to the journalists. However, she tries to be true to herself as much as possible. 

I feel like people expect us to sometimes take a stand and to, you know, be loud about what we think and our opinions. But I always try to remember that if I don't feel comfortable doing that, I can always just say that and mostly people respect that, journalists, you know, (smiling).

Iga Swiatek in a press conference ahead of Qatar Open

Iga Swiatek says she will be the same person no matter what her ranking is 

After winning the 2024 Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka has now closed the gap between her and Iga Swiatek. She is now just 865 points away from World No. 1 and might eventually overtake her in a few tournaments’ time. However, Swiatek is not much concerned about that. She said that she would remain the same person, irrespective of the position she is in. 

Yeah, there are some things that've changed because of the position that you're at, but on the other hand, I always try to remind myself that I'm still the same person no matter what my ranking is and no matter what the number next to my name is.

Iga Swiatek in a press conference ahead of Qatar Open

Iga Swiatek will take part in the Qatar Open next. She faces Sorana Cîrstea of Romania in the first round of the tournament on Monday. 

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