Women’s tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said she is used to the high expectations and withering criticism of top players and is feeling “good vibes” ahead of the start of her title defense in the WTA 1000 Indian Wells Open.
More than a year the Polish tennis player began her impressive 37 matches winning streak. Since then, the three-time Grand Slam winner has been the player everyone has been trying to beat.
“I feel like there’s a target on my back, whereas last year I didn’t have that feeling. So it’s a different situation and I have to get used to it”, said Iga Swiatek in Indian Wells. “On the other hand, I’ve been No. 1 for almost a year now and I’ve had enough experience to cope. I lost the final in Dubai and people were surprised, they were not happy and criticized me”, added she.
After her remarkable 37-matches winning streak, Iga Swiatek has only 8 losses and won the titles at the US Open, WTA 500 San Diego Open, and the WTA 500 Qatar TotalEnergies Open. Every time the expectations for her are on the highest level.
“It made me think that before this huge streak and before I won these tournaments, I was very happy with the results. But because of the comments, now I feel like that’s not enough. I try not to read these things because I’m happy with the work I’m doing and how I played in Doha and Dubai”, said Iga Swiatek. “There’s more pressure and expectations, but I’m trying to deal with it as best I can and I think I’m doing it”, concluded the Polish tennis player.
