© Getty Images Sport – Matthew Stockman
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has a chance to join the likes of Steffi Graf, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in achieving a remarkable feat and becoming just the fourth player ever with multiple completions of the Sunshine Double, via OptaAce.
In 2022, Swiatek lifted her first Indian Wells title after beating Maria Sakkari in the final. Two weeks later, Swiatek also defeated Naomi Osaka for her first Miami title and to complete the Sunshine Double.
After losing in the Indian Wells semifinal last year, the 22-year-old Pole made a triumphant return to the desert this year, winning her second title at the tournament after not dropping a single set during the entire tournament. Now, Swiatek is set to play Miami – a tournament she was forced to skip last year due rib injury – and if she wins it, she will complete the Sunshine Double for the second time at just 22.
Novak Djokovic owns the most Sunshine Double completions (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016), while Federer comes at second place with three completions (2005, 2006, and 2017). When it comes to women, only Graff managed to complete the Sunshine Double more than once – 1994 and 1996.
4 – Iga Swiatek can become only the 4th female or male player to achieve the Sunshine Double on multiple occasions along with Steffi Graf, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic; she has 16% chance to win the title at Miami. Prediction. #MiamiOpen | @MiamiOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/juK6dE6Az5
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) March 21, 2024
Swiatek not thinking too much ahead in Miami
In Miami, top-seeded Swiatek had a first-round bye as her campaign at the tournament will start on Friday when she takes on Camila Giorgi, who defeated Magdalena Frech in the first round.
Considering how dominant Swiatek was in Indian Wells, there is no doubt that she is the No. 1 favorite for the Miami title. But Swiatek does not want to get involved in any of those talks as she wants to keep focused on her game and go match by match in Miami.
“I don’t feel like we should talk about ifs. I’ll do everything step by step, as usual. No need for me to like, go and already think about winning the trophy, because I haven’t even practiced here,” Swiatek said.
Also, Swiatek admitted that she felt that she “overachieved” two years ago in Indian Wells and Miami.
It remains to be seen if Swiatek can win Miami and achieve yet another impressive feat.
