Iga Swiatek's coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, is delighted with her progress this year but also admitted to being shocked by how swiftly she has progressed in 2022.
Swiatek did not win a Grand Slam in 2021 and was not widely tipped to dominate the sport this year. Her 2020 French Open title was insufficient evidence to indicate she would be the best player during the 2022 season.
However, Swiatek's level throughout 2022 was incredible. The Pole secured the French Open and US Open titles, went on an amazing 37-match winning streak from February until July and stayed as the world No. 1 from April until the end of the year.
Unsurprisingly, Swiatek is one of the nominees for the 2022 WTA Player of the Season, and it would be a significant shock if the 21-year-old did not beat the other nominees, which include Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, to the award.
Swiatek's hiring of Wiktorowski at the end of 2021 seems to have been important for her development. Although the two-time French Open champion's game was already impressive before 2022, she has made many improvements to become the world No. 1.
In an interview with Sport.pl, Wiktorowski admitted to being surprised about how quickly Swiatek implemented the changes to her game they worked on and mentioned an area they are currently looking to improve.
“She kept up the high level she showed at the beginning. There were no major wobbles. Everything was on a level that could previously only be dreamed of."
“To be honest, I didn’t expect her to be able to implement these little things so soon, like correcting her forehand swing, return position, or changing the distribution and direction of her shots."
“From a technical point of view, Iga has improved her serving most this year. I can confirm this with the numbers. We’re working a lot on slice right now, forehand and backhand. Also on the volley. A drop shot is played with a move like a slice."
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