© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Iga Swiatek highlights she prefers to work at her own pace and suggests that having strong competition like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina has both positive and negative impacts. After absolutely dominating during the 2022 season, Swiatek was challenged this past season as Sabalenka and Rybakina both elevated their games.
There was also Coco Gauff, who enjoyed a very strong summer, becoming a Grand Slam champion at the US Open. Ahead of the 2024 season, world No 1 Swiatek believes the top female players have been showing a consistent level over the last few years.
“The women’s tennis has been at a consistent level for the last couple of seasons. Me, Aryna and Elena, I feel, are standing out and playing consistently but there others who are also just trying to get better. However, for me there is no difference.
I like to work at my own pace, but when somebody is competing with you and keeps pushing you then it has a positive impact and a negative impact, but I don’t over analyse it,” Swiatek told Gulf News.
Swiatek on competing at the World Tennis League ahead of 2024
This weekend, Swiatek is competing at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, where Sabalenka and Rybakina are also playing.
Although it just an exhibition, some of the top players in the world are competing and it will serve as a good preparation for Swiatek ahead of the new season. On Thursday, Swiatek beat Rybakina. “This tournament gives me the opportunity to implement what I have been practicing during the preseason against the best players here.
I played well against Rybakina and I felt it is something like what we have experienced in the WTA Tour. So pretty nice,” Swiatek said. Meanwhile, Swiatek’s season starts at the United Cup. After representing Poland at the United Cup, Swiatek will focus on the Australian Open.
In 2023, Swiatek exited the Australian Open in the round-of-16 after losing to Rybakina. In 2024, Swiatek will certainly be determined to do better at Melbourne Park.
