© Getty Images Sport – Paul Kane
Iga Swiatek thinks she is now much better prepared to deal with the pressure of being the world No. 1 than 12 months earlier in Australia.
Throughout 2023, it was evident that Swiatek massive pressure and expectations were negatively impacting Swiatek. It all culminated after Swiatek suffered a shock US Open round-of-16 loss and lost the world No. 1 spot to Aryna Sabalenka.
Although Swiatek’s confidence was low at that point, she managed to impressively bounce back and finish her season with back-to-back titles and the WTA Finals. By going 5-0 at the WTA Finals, Swiatek managed to regain the No. 1 spot from Sabalenka. Now, Swiatek says she is in a good mental state ahead of the United Cup and Australian Open.
“Playing these final matches in Cancun with such baggage on my shoulders in terms of rankings, it gave me a lot of confidence. I learned a lot about myself. I’m going to take it in 2024,” Swiatek said during Media Day at the United Cup.
“Honestly, I’m looking ahead for these tournaments that are going to happen here in Australia for me. I want to take it step by step. I feel more prepared for sure to deal with the pressure of being World…
