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Iga Swiatek admits she didn't really think that it was possible for her to be where she is today. Swiatek, who turned 22 in May, has been the best player in women's tennis since Ashleigh Barty's retirement. After Barty retired, Swiatek replaced the Australian tennis legend at the world No 1 spot and spent there 75 consecutive weeks before being overtaken by Aryna Sabalenka on September 11th.
On Sunday, Swiatek defeated Sabalenka 6-3 6-2 to reach the WTA Finals final and the Pole is now also one win away from returning to the world No 1 spot. Following a big win over Sabalenka, Swiatek was asked how she handles everything that comes with being one of the most important players in women's tennis.
“I can’t really tell you how I handle that because it’s the only life I know kind of. I’m just achieving my goals and my dreams. I always try to remember that. For sure, it’s not easy. It’s kind of a high-pressure environment.
Overall, I’m just happy I’m in that place. I never really thought it would be possible for me. I just try to really be grateful for that. It doesn’t matter if I’m 22. I feel like I’m older. So I don’t really think about that every day," Swiatek said.
Swiatek beats Sabalenka, comes one win away from returning to No 1
Against Sabalenka, Swiatek earned the first break of the match in the fourth game. That one break of serve was enough for Swiatek to win the first set. After winning the first set, Swiatek also claimed the first break of the second set in the third game.
In the seventh game, Swiatek broke Sabalenka again to go 5-2 up in the second. Up by a set and two breaks, Swiatek realized her first match point in the eighth game. Today, Swiatek will be facing Jessica Pegula in the final at the WTA Finals. If Swiatek wins, she will land her first WTA Finals title and also replace Sabalenka at the world No 1 spot.