Iga Swiatek revealed she personally thinks that Aryna Sabalenka deserved to succeed in the world No 1 rating this yr. Sabalenka, 25, grew to become the world No 1 for the primary time in her profession after changing Swiatek on the high spot on September eleventh.

Earlier than Sabalenka overtook Swiatek, the Pole was the top-ranked participant on the planet 75 consecutive weeks. In 2023, Sabalenka achieved her two largest targets as she additionally grew to become a Grand Slam champion on the Australian Open.

“She deserved it. She had an incredible season. She gained a Grand Slam, was within the closing of one other Grand Slam and in two semi-finals, so it was a tremendous season. I simply most well-liked to concentrate on different issues, as a result of the strain associated to the No 1 spot was a bit overwhelming in the course of the season.

Because of this, I did not play very freely till the US Open, after which I knew that I simply needed to change this perspective and method the following tournaments otherwise, simply be a distinct participant who did not concentrate on all that issues.

Though I all the time attempt to do it, however it would not all the time work out,” Swiatek instructed Eurosport Poland.

Swiatek on ending the yr at No 1 forward of Sabalenka

Going into the ultimate stage of the 2023 season, Sabalenka was in a much better place to complete because the 12 months-Finish No 1.

However Swiatek had an impressive end to the season, successful a WTA 1000 title in Beijing earlier than additionally lifting her first WTA Finals title in Cancun. After going 5-0 in Cancun – that features beating Sabalenka within the semifinal – Swiatek managed to simply narrowly beat out the Belarusian for the 12 months-Finish No 1 spot.

“It was definitely a demanding season that taught me lots and which makes me much more proud. This year-end consequence exceeded all my expectations. The truth that I got here again to No 1 and that it occurred in Cancun with all of the strain and unusual circumstances,” Swiatek stated.