The four-time champion of major tennis tournaments achieved yet another remarkable accomplishment on her way to winning the 2024 Qatar Open championship this past weekend. She became the first player since Serena Williams at the Miami Open from 2013 to 2015 to claim victory in a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event for three consecutive times. Swiatek has not experienced defeat in Doha since 2020, and her triumph on Saturday marked her 18th singles trophy in the WTA, with seven of them earned at WTA 1000 tournaments. It is undeniable that Swiatek may add a few more titles to her collection before the conclusion of the 2024 season.
When questioned about her aspirations for the remainder of the season, Swiatek downplayed the significance of winning titles, emphasizing that her focus is primarily on personal growth as a player. She stated, “I am uncertain because the previous season demonstrated to me that the tennis season can be incredibly unpredictable. My objective is simply to develop as a player, and we shall see.” Swiatek acknowledged the importance of the Olympics as a major tournament but refrained from singling out any specific event as her ultimate goal. She expressed pride in her achievements regardless of the tournament she won, highlighting the satisfaction derived from overcoming challenges and working hard. Swiatek emphasized that sometimes titles hold more significance for others, such as Wikipedia, rather than for oneself. This season, she is taking a relaxed approach, focusing on each step and week as they come.
Swiatek also has the opportunity to achieve a three-peat at this year’s Italian Open and Roland Garros, and given her exceptional performance on clay courts, it would not be surprising if she accomplishes this feat. At just 22 years old, Swiatek already boasts impressive records. In 2022, she set the longest winning streak of the 21st century, winning 37 consecutive matches from February to July. This marked the first time in 25 years that a player on the WTA circuit had achieved such a feat. Additionally, she became the youngest woman to complete the Sunshine Double in 2022, winning both the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open at the age of only 20 years and 360 days.
When asked about the possibility of breaking more records, Swiatek humbly stated that she never considered herself a record breaker. While she has already achieved several records, she confessed to not being aware of all the existing records, as much of the focus is on Serena Williams and her Grand Slam victories. Swiatek believes that breaking records happens when one is not consciously aiming for them, and her primary focus remains on playing tennis with joy and passion.
According to the Source tennis365.com