Being Number One beyond expectation says Iga Swiatek

New Delhi: Poland’s Iga Swiatek has said that becoming the world number one tennis player was beyond her expectations as it came under immense pressure. On April 4 last year, Swiatek reached the number one position in the rankings following the retirement of Ashley Barty. She currently has a lead of 4485 points over number two 2023 Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

“I thought it wouldn’t be possible,” Swiatek told reporters. This was something that was beyond my expectations. Everyone wants to reach this place but that much is certain that it comes with immense pressure and expectations. Swiatek had a stellar last season, winning eight titles, including two Grand Slam titles. She had a winning streak of 37 matches. “After Doha and Dubai, I felt much stronger. I won the WTA 500 title and was in the final of the 1000 but I lost in the final. People were surprised. Wasn’t happy with my performance and became critical.

“Last year I was happy with the results of winning tournaments but now after these reactions I feel oh, it was not enough,” Swiatek said.