“Last year I didn’t really feel like I was being chased” – Iga Swiatek

On Monday, June 19, Iga Swiatek entered her 64th consecutive week as World No. 1. She tied Simona Halep’s record as the active player with most weeks at No. 1.

The Pole reflected on her ranking and stated that her focus on her new achievements allowed her to not feel chased in the rankings last year. She disclosed her decision to maintain a similar mindset following her defeat to Elena Rybakina at the 2023 Australian Open.

“Last year I didn’t really feel like I was being chased because I felt like all the things that are happening were so new that I was just focusing on achieving. That’s what I also tried to do after Australia this year and I think it’s working,” Iga Swiatek said.

The Pole expressed pride in herself for her consistency atop the rankings in the face of immense pressure.

“Even though the difference in points is smaller (between myself and the world No.2), I feel like it’s a great achievement for me to keep a consistent level with all that pressure. Because there is pressure; and you can see it on social media and everything,” she added.

In other news, Iga Swiatek will commence her grass-court season at the Bad Homburg Open, where she will feature alongside Liudmila Samsonova, Victoria Azarenka, Sloane Stephens, and Bianca Andreescu.