“Rivalry is welcome”, Iga Swiatek braces herself for tough competition as the 2023 season is around the corner
Polish tennis star Iga Świątek believes that on court rivalries are important and help her up her game

Iga Świątek (Image: WTA)
World No 1 Iga Swiatek has been one of the most successful players in the WTA circuit this season. Polish star made the year unforgettable by clinching two Grand Slam singles titles and a total of six WTA titles. Only a few players like Tunisian star Ons Jabeur could rival the Pole on the court this year.
Despite her dominance in the arena, Swiatek still believes that rivalries are an important part of her game as they help motivate her and push her to the limit. Swiatek just finished the World Tennis League and is bracing herself for some tough competition in the upcoming season.
“I think we all need somebody who is going to push ourselves to the limit. It gave me a lot of motivation last season when I played against Ash (Barty) in Adelaide,” the 21-year-old said on the importance of rivalries in sports. “For the next couple of months, before she retired, my main goal was to learn how to play against her a little bit and maybe be able to beat her,” Swiatek further added on how now retired Ashleigh Barty helped her up her game.
“For sure rivalry is welcome, I can totally take a lot from that. So I think it’s great that we have so many people we can compete against,” Swiatek told recently The National. Swiatek was participating in the WTL and where he guided her team The Kites to a runner-up finish.
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Iga Swiatek’s unfettered rule in 2022, players to look for in the upcoming season

World No 1 Iga Swiatek’s rule in 2022 has been almost unchallenged. The Polish star clinched eight titles in 2022, including two Grand Slams, one each at Paris and the Flushing Medows. Swiatek created a 37-match winning streak which is the longest on the WTA Tour in the 21st century.
As the 2023 season is just a few days away, Swiatek will be ready to replicate her success of 2022 in the upcoming season too. Wimbledon and US Open finalist Ons Jabeur will be the player to look for who can challenge Swiatek’s rule in 2023. Caroline Garcia and Aryna Sabalenka who are ranked 3rd and 4th respectively will also give a tough challenge to Swiatek.
As Swiatek said rivalries are good and motivate her, she will not lower her guard in the upcoming season. The Pole will be looking to add some more titles this year. All said, the upcoming season will be filled with thrill and the fans can not wait for that.
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