Iga Swiatek didn't have the season she had last year, but she's had far from a bad season, according to fellow player Coco Gauff, who defended her results this year during her press conference.
Coco Gauff finally bested Iga Swiatek this year and while it happened a while ago in Cincinnati it was a huge moment for the American. She was 0-7 up until that point and breaking that cycle took a lot from Gauff who only got better after that.
Their most recent match at the China Open went the way of Swiatek as she cruised to a straight sets victory easily. It wasn't the best match from Gauff, especially when compared to the level of Swiatek, who was looked in from the start.
Gauff spoke about Swiatek during her post-match press conference, questioning those claiming that Swiatek's season hasn't been a success. Sure, compared to her incredible 2022 season, you could argue that it wasn't that good, but it's far from disappointing.
As Gauff poitned out, she was number one for much of the year and won a Grand Slam which is amazing.
I mean, I've seen some of the comments people are saying, like she had not a good season. I mean, she won a Grand Slam & was #1 forever. I'm like, I would dream to have the season like she had this year.
Gauff, too, won a Grand Slam this year, but she's yet to become world number one. It's going to happen one day, but it's not something she thinks about that match. Approaching every match seriously and trying to win that one is her mentality, and it's worked well so far.
There is no rush as there is plenty of time for her. Next is the Zhengzhou event, where she's one of the favourites to win.