By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday August 25, 2023
Playing with a target on her back in 2023 hasn’t been such a bad experience for Iga Swiatek.
The top-ranked Pole, who will play for her fifth major title during this year's US Open, says that she has learned a lot from being the hunted rather than the hunter. Her fate was sealed when she reeled off 37 consecutive wins in 2022, and then finished her Grand Slam season by winning her first US Open title.
The rest of the tour had no choice but to rally. They have been playing catchup ever sincd, focusing on finding ways to beat her.
“I would say at the beginning of this season was pretty tough for me,” Swiatek said. “I learned the most because I felt like everybody started to analyze my game, to learn a little bit more. They kind of focused on winning against me. So it wasn't easy. I felt that.”
Rather than feel sorry for herself, Swiatek took it upon herself to raise her game even higher.
“On the other hand, if you want to be the best player in the world, you have to be ready for that, she said. “I learned that I should just focus on myself, not really think about rankings and points, just focus on developing as a player because there are many things I want to change or improve.”
With 50 wins and four titles on the season, Swiatek has proven that she can fend off the premier forces in the sport.
Swiatek won her fourth major title at Roland-Garros this year, becoming the fifth active player – male or female – to hold at least four majors. She’s more than happy to take on the challenges that other top players such as Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and coco Gauff are delivering to her side of the court.
Swiatek believes she doesn’t need to overthink things – she just needs to continue learning and evolving as a player.
When I really dig into work hard, that's the time where I progress the most, when my tennis is just getting better,” she said. “So I learned that you shouldn't really just overanalyze it or think about it. You should just play the game the same way as you would if your ranking would be lower.
“You just have to use the experience, for sure, and the confidence, but still remember that the most important thing is to develop as a player.
“I'm still 22, so I have a lot to learn.”