Iga Swiatek has come a long way since becoming World No. 1 for the first time two years ago and recently shared the progress made during that time.
Swiatek officially became the top-ranked Polish player in history in April 2022 following the sudden retirement of then World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty. At only 20, the responsibility and pressure were so enormous that Swiatek needed to prove herself that she belonged there.
Three more Grand slams have followed since rising to the summit to add to her maiden major title at the 2020 French Open. As she prepares to return to Miami for the first time in two years, the 22-year-old opined that she is in a "different place" when it comes to accomplishments and her development.
Speaking to Tennis Majors, Swiatek's boat of trying to prove herself has sailed a long time ago. In the past, she was forthright about the hurdle and her obsession with World No. 1, which partly affected her performance and her emotional well-being.
"For sure, I’m in a different place. I really learned so much and I kind of proved a lot. I feel like that was the main theme at that time two years ago, to prove (to) everybody that I’m in the right place."
"So now I don’t feel like I need to do that. I feel like I already kind of did my my job pretty well. And I want to continue that. And I feel like for sure I feel more peacefully and just that I’m in the right place, and I’m doing great job."
It is difficult to put a ceiling to what Swiatek can achieve. Last week, she won Indian Wells for a second time without dropping a set, drawing special praise from former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, who believes she is on par with some of the greats of women's tennis despite being only 22.
Swiatek will bid to win the Sunshine Double for the second time and join Steffi Graf for this distinction as the only two WTA players to do so. But when informed about this possibility, she did not get ahead of herself.
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