Losing the No. 1 ranking might be a blessing in disguise for Iga Swiatek, who suggested that she 'feels freer' on the court, and it has transmitted to her game.
After hoarding the World No. 1 ranking for 75 consecutive weeks, Swiatek was knocked off her perch by Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka at the end of the 2023 US Open. Swiatek, however, isn't losing sleep on reclaiming it back.
The Pole recently discussed her 'changed attitude,' saying that her focus right now is to develop as a player. Ranking is not the primary goal, according to Swiatek. And after holding the top spot for over a year, Swiatek admits it doesn't hurt to have a break and regroup.
That mindset appears to have been vindicated after putting together a near-perfect week at the China Open. Swiatek can put the capstone to a perfect stay in Beijing by beating Liudmila Samsonova in Sunday's final. The second seed leads their head-to-head 2-0.
Swiatek believes losing the No. 1 ranking has actually been beneficial instead of detrimental to her game, as she is now playing with a lot more freedom, as she showcased in her 6-2, 6-3 dismissal of reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff.
"I'm proud of myself and happy with the way I've played throughout the tournament, but I know my work isn't done. I feel like I'm playing consistently throughout the entire season. I have already played many finals. I won't treat it any differently."
"I try not to analyze it too much, but I feel freer when I go out on the court, the surface and the balls are good for me. I have more positive thoughts when I play. I also have a plan B if things don't go well. Maybe not being number one helps me with that."
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