Iga Swiatek shares her deep observation after US Open exit, losing No. 1 ranking

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Iga Swiatek suggests it is "a clean slate" for her after failing to defend the US Open title and retain the world No 1 ranking. Following Swiatek's shock US Open round-of-16 loss to Jelena Ostapenko, Swiatek failed to defend her title and also lost the world No 1 ranking for the first time since achieving it on April 4th, 2022.

Over the last year and a half, the words "defending" and "defense" have often been attached to Swiatek's name. In a message posted on her social media, Swiatek suggested that reading those headlines made her think it was all about defending titles and her world No 1 ranking.

Now, Swiatek wants to focus on new goals and to have a different mindset and attitude when she finds herself again in a situation to defend something.

Swiatek's full message after the US Open exit, losing the No 1 ranking

"Last 1,5 year was a time of observing and experiencing how much people talk and write about 'defending', 'defense' - of titles, ranking position, points...

I was surprised sometimes to start to think this way because of this. But... I don't need to defend anything and this is a good moment to write down some thoughts. For me sport is a cycle of constant changes exactly like in everyday life, we can either win or lose - that's it, it's so simple.

New season, next tournament, new opportunities to GAIN, ACHIEVE, not defend something. Clean slate. During this year's US swing I could win and achieve more, that's for sure. I know some of you expected more, many of you expected 'defending' the no 1 ranking, the title.

But I stick to my mindset: when I work hard, I'm developing myself and doing my job, I will create many more chances to WIN, to ACHIEVE my goals and not to defend. The way to do it is to constantly focus on my high standards in what I do and learn from the best in this sport and from my team.

And yes... What a journey it was as a number 1 in women's tennis! Thank you for being with me on this. I will try to appreciate this time before I go forward, trying to achieve more. Last but not least... Many thanks for all your support and positive messages you're sending me.

It gives me a lot of energy to work hard," Swiatek said.

Some of my thoughts about... defeding. 😉

Many thanks for all your support on my first journey as a no 1 in women's tennis. 🫶🏼#keepgoing #gettingstarted pic.twitter.com/kbvrCxE0qB — Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) September 6, 2023