Iga Swiatek opens up on how everyone waited for her fall from the World No. 1 spot as the Pole looks to reclaim the rank from Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek is currently 630 points behind Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings.

Iga Swiatek opens up on how everyone waited for her fall from the World No. 1 spot as the Pole looks to reclaim the rank from Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek (Source: Sporting News)

Polish international Iga Swiatek will look to reclaim her World No. 1 spot from Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 WTA Finals to become the year-end top-ranked player in the world. Ahead of the WTA Finals, Iga recently said in an interview that when she fell from the World No. 1 spot, it felt like everyone was waiting for that moment. 

The No. 1 ranking position can give you wings and add positive energy. However, at the end of the period when I was a leader, I felt that the whole world was waiting for me to fall from this position. It wasn't easy. 
Swiatek via Sport Interia Poland
YouTube video

The Polish ace reiterated that she knows that she has done everything to stay ahead, and she is aware that she will quickly return to that position if she works well. Iga also added that being No. 2 takes the pressure off her as it is nothing different from the rest of her career. She just has to develop as a tennis player gradually as the years pass by. 

Iga Swiatek lost her World No. 1 position after the 2023 US Open when she got knocked out in the Round of 16 by Jelena Ostapenko and Aryna Sabalenka reached the finals. After a series of disappointing performances, Iga finally won the 2023 China Open and now looks ready to take on the challenge of winning the WTA Finals as well. She has been put in the same group as Ons Jabeur, Marketa Vondrousova, and Coco Gauff in the tournament. 

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Iga Swiatek’s chances of becoming the year-end World No. 1

Aryna Sabalenka currently has 8,425 points while Iga Swiatek has 7795. Iga is 630 points behind the Belarusian and she might overtake her after the WTA Finals. However, for that to happen, she not only has to perform incredibly well in the tournament but also has to wish that Aryna Sabalenka does not. 

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Source: Sky Sports)

If the Belarusian remains unbeaten in the group stage but fails to reach the finals, Iga Swiatek will become World No. 1 if she too remains unbeaten in the Group stage and wins the tournament. However, if Sabalenka reaches the final of the WTA Finals while keeping a 2-1 record, then she will remain the World No. 1 irrespective of the Pole’s performance. 

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