Iga Swiatek holds no regret in opting out of national duty from the 2023 BJK Cup while playing at the 2023 WTA Finals chasing her World No. 1 rank

Swiatek has managed to be the year end World No. 1 for second consecutive year.

Iga Swiatek holds no regret in opting out of national duty from the 2023 BJK Cup while playing at the 2023 WTA Finals chasing her World No. 1 rank

(L-R) Iga Swiatek with the WTA Finals trophy, The BJK Cup. (credits: Eurosport, TOI)

WTA World No. 1 Iga Swiatek got her top position back from Aryna Sabalenka just a month after having it taken away. She was under huge scrutiny after she fell down the rankings with critics writing her off for the future, but with the WTA Finals title, she has shut down all the negativity that persisted around her. In a recent interview with media outlet WP SportoweFakty, Swiatek talked about his feelings about going after her personal landmarks.

The Pole chose to play in the WTA Finals rather than represent her country at the Billie Jean King Cup. A lot of fuss was generated by the national fans due to her choice, but the Polish star has recently revealed that she feels no regret having done so. When asked by the interviewer if she thought of the consequences of choosing her personal goals ahead of national duty, Swiatek said her decision was completely based on a busy schedule.

Swiatek talked about how she initially planned to take part in the BJK Cup, but after her long season, it became impossible for her. She also revealed how she knew about the consequences, but decided to think about her body and give it a proper rest to make it ready for the next season. She said,

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Initially, I was going to perform because I always want to play for Poland. This season, however, this was impossible.

The World No. 1 further added, 

I was aware that many people would not like my decision. However, people who know tennis know what a long journey after a tournament means, the need to adapt, lack of sleep, and a short training time on a new court.

Iga Swiatek gives her reasons for not participating in the BJK Cup

Swiatek elaborated further about the reasons why she decided to not feature at the BJK Cup. With the WTA Finals having been postponed due to the severe rain in Cancun, Swiatek had to play her semis-finals and finals on a later date. With the BJK Cup starting on 7th November, it coincided with the schedule of the WTA Finals and Swiatek considered it dangerous to participate in two different tournaments without any proper rest.

Iga Swiatek with her 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games medal.
Iga Swiatek with her 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games medal. (credits: The European Olympic Committees)

Swiatek said, 

The WTA Finals have been postponed to Monday. Playing a match on another continent in the same week could result in injury. I trust myself and my team. I and the entire team lost due to my absence in Seville. However, what is more important is the long-term view - that I would have balance and be able to play on the court for many years, also for Poland. I would like to represent Poland at every tournament.

The World No. 1 WTA player expressed her thought process on thinking about the long-term and her future goals. She felt it would have been risky to play at Seville and chances of a major injury were quite high. Swiatek added that she would like to represent Poland in the future and bag more titles and cups, making her country proud.

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