Iga Swiatek, the current WTA No.1 player, will be participating in the Qatar Open in Doha. She will be facing the pressure of defending her title and maintaining her top position in the women’s rankings. This comes after her disappointing performance in the Australian Open, where she suffered a defeat in the third round.
As is unfortunately common for successful tennis players, Swiatek has become the target of harsh criticism. Many of these criticisms are baseless and unnecessary. It is futile to compare her to legends like Serena Williams, who only come around once in a generation. Today’s tennis players, with the exception of perhaps Coco Gauff, should not be compared to the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
During the media day prior to the tournament in Doha, Swiatek expressed her perspective on the upcoming season. She believes that the season is long and provides numerous opportunities for success in future tournaments. She will work hard and give her best effort. She has learned from her past experiences that defending titles is futile, as each tournament is a new chapter and a new story. Tennis is unpredictable and always surprises you.
At 22 years old, Swiatek acknowledges that she has grown both as a person and as a player. Even without her victories, she would have naturally changed and evolved due to her age. Although her style of play has also evolved, there are aspects that have remained the same. She is fortunate to have a consistent support system in her team. She reflects positively on the previous years and is content with how things have gone.
Swiatek recognizes that there are expectations placed on athletes like her. People expect them to take a stand and share their opinions. However, she believes that it is important to remember that not everyone feels comfortable doing so. She appreciates that most people, including journalists, respect her decision to keep certain things private. Despite the responsibility that comes with being at the top of the rankings, Swiatek tries to find a balance. It can be challenging at times, as it feels like everyone is angry at her. Nevertheless, she tries to stay true to herself and remember her identity, regardless of her ranking.
According to the Source tennisworldusa.org