World No 1 Iga Swiatek gave a very candid and direct response when asked whether she could become the next dominant player in women’s tennis. Swiatek, who won eight out of her nine finals last year, has nearly 6,000 ranking points more than second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka.
Swiatek is now considered the best and most dominant player on the WTA Tour. “They’re saying you could be the next dominant player in women’s tennis. Do you think you can live up to that title?” Swiatek was asked in Dubai.
The Pole responded: “I think last season was already pretty dominant, so yeah.”
Swiatek explains a rough Australian swing
Swiatek kicked off her 2023 season at the inaugural United Cup, where she won her first three matches before Jessica Pegula handed her a 6-2 6-2 loss.
After being dismantled by Pegula, Swiatek also suffered a surprise Australian Open round-of-16 defeat to Elena Rybakina. “It was the beginning of the season. My pre-season was pretty intense on the court and also off the court.
I still feel like I did a really good job in United Cup. Before the travel day, I was playing really, really solid matches. In the Australian Open as well, I played against Elena [Rybakina], and she totally deserved to win. She went to the final later.
For sure, she was in good shape”. …
