Women’s tennis world number one Iga Swiatek started with a win at the Australian Open. The Pole, who is considered the favorite for the title in Melbourne, was 3:5 down in the second set against Germany’s Jule Niemeier before coming back from two breaks down to triumph 2-0 (6:4, 7:5).
“I’m happy that I was able to come back in the second set and make the breaks,” said Iga Swiatek, who had to fight for a comeback against the German in the fourth round of the US Open late last year. “It was certainly an important moment. But it’s still the beginning of the season, the first match of the first Grand Slam, so it’s always difficult. Yule is not an easy opponent and I’m happy that I managed to win. I hope I can play more matches here. My goal for the next matches is not to get into such situations and not to start the set with a break allowed. But it happens”, added she.
Iga Swiatek established herself as the world’s number one in women’s tennis after the retirements of Serena Williams and reigning Melbourne champion Ashleigh Barty.
The 21-year-old tennis player admitted that the expectation of winning every match weighs on her.
“I definitely feel the expectations. People kind of take it for granted that I’m going to win those first matches, but it’s not always easy. Every fight is different, you have to really work hard to get everything right”, said Iga Swiatek “I just wish some people would understand a little bit more about what it’s like to compete every week of your life. You just have to deal with it. Maybe it would be easier if there were less people judging you”, added she.
