WATCH: Iga Swiatek performs the China Open’s ‘champion handprint’ ceremony as the Pole clinches her 5th title of the season

Iga Swiatek defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the 2023 China Open to win the tournament.

WATCH: Iga Swiatek performs the China Open’s ‘champion handprint’ ceremony as the Pole clinches her 5th title of the season

Iga Swiatek (Source: Sky Sports)

Several tennis tournaments across the globe have various traditions and these unique traditions are what often set these tournaments apart from the others. Just like there is an all-white tradition at Wimbledon, the China Open also has a unique tradition called the ‘handprint ceremony’. As the tournament was finally conducted after a four-year gap due to COVID-19, many had forgotten about this ritual. Thus, when the 2023 China Open winner, Iga Swiatek, performed the ceremony, it brought those memories back for many fans. 

The handprint ceremony means that the winners of the China Open have to give their handprint, which is later transferred to a metal floor tile and remains on the Avenue of Champions on the second floor of the Diamond Court, where the matches are played. In a video, Iga Swiatek, who won the China Open this year, could be seen giving her handprint as part of the ceremony. Her handprint will be seen at the Diamond Court next year. 

YouTube video

Talking about the 2023 China Open, Swiatek broke her trophy drought by defeating Liudmila Samsonova in the final of the tournament. She had a pretty great campaign as the Pole defeated Caroline Garcia and Coco Gauff en route to the final. 

FS Video

After losing her No. 1 position in the WTA rankings to Aryna Sabalenka recently post the Wimbledon Open, Swiatek seemed a bit lost but she has apparently found her way back to the very top with this win. The 22-year-old seems to have found her momentum back and is now on the way to regaining her World No. 1 ranking. 

Read More: WTA Zhengzhou Open 2023: Singles draw preview and prediction featuring Ons Jabeur, Maria Sakkari and Caroline Garcia

Iga Switak says she will be better prepared if she becomes World No. 1 again 

Swiatek had already said in a previous interview that becoming World No. 1 is not her topmost priority now as she is focusing on herself and her game. However, after winning the China Open, the Polish player opined that in case she becomes World No. 1 again, she would try to be better prepared and more aware. 

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Source: Sky Sports)

“There’s been a lot of pressure in recent seasons. I’d say the progress I’ve made has been pretty quick & I didn’t expect to be No. 1 last year. I had to deal with a lot of things and grow very quickly. The pressure is difficult at certain times. On the other hand, it is part of our sport & we have to learn how to adapt & to focus on tennis. If I were No. 1 again, I would be much better prepared. I learn from it,” said the 22-year-old. 

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