Aryna Sabalenka admires Iga Swiatek's composure as they battle for the world No. 1 spot on the WTA Tour.
In a fierce competition for the world No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka has praised her rival Swiatek for handling the pressure with poise, despite having to defend multiple titles from an outstanding 2022 season.
Swiatek's 2022 triumphs included two Grand Slam victories at Roland Garros and the US Open. Showing no signs of slowing down, Swiatek has already claimed her second trophy of 2023, defeating Sabalenka at the Stuttgart final.
Despite Swiatek's impressive achievements, it is Sabalenka who currently leads the 2023 WTA Race, boasting a significant lead of over 1500 points. As the Belarusian strives to maintain her advantage and secure the top spot, she acknowledges the challenge ahead, with Swiatek standing as a difficult opponent.
"Iga is doing well and I think she is not feeling super pressure of defending so many titles. It’s going to be really tough for me. I have to be really focused and I have to get to the last stages of the tournament(s) to become number one."
Sabalenka has been focusing on her own game, trying not to dwell on the race for the No. 1 position. She believes that by bringing her best to each match, she will eventually achieve her goal.
"I’m trying to not focus on that. I am trying to focus on my game because I know that, if I am going to bring my game and if I am going to play my best, I will get there. So I am trying to focus on myself."
Her recent performance in Stuttgart, following a productive preparation period after Miami, has given her confidence in her abilities on clay courts and she will try to use that at the 2023 Madrid Open, tournament which was marked by either a first-round loss or a tournament win for her.
"I had a really good couple of weeks' preparation after Miami and a good result at Stuttgart, (which) gives me a lot of belief that I can do well on this surface. I feel really good on clay right now."
0 Comments