Agnieszka Radwanska approaches 2016 full of confidence following her recent triumph at the WTA Finals in Singapore as she bids to become the first Polish player to win a singles Grand Slam title in the Open Era.
This year Radwanska has won three titles on the tour during the Asian Swing between September – November in Tokyo, Tianjin and Singapore. She has become the first player from her country to win the prestigious WTA Finals. Earlier in the season the 26-year-old reached the semifinals at Wimbledon before losing to Garbine Muguruza in three sets. Radwanska was also the runner-up to Belinda Bencic at the Aegon International in Eastbourne.
After a long season on the tour, Radwanska is currently in India for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) where she is playing for the Micromax Indian Aces. During an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Radwanska has revealed that she hopes her positive end to 2015 will be a stepping stone for her to achieve Grand Slam glory.
“For sure, Singapore performance has given me a lot of confidence, I just hope that it will help me win a Grand Slam next year. I can try to be my best because nothing comes easy (at that level)”. Radwanska told PTI.
Despite ending the year with a trio of titles, the world No.5 has stated that she didn’t approach the Asian swing too differently from the rest of her 2015 season.
“I did not change much. I just was very good in Asia. The courts, the atmosphere, most of the tournaments there I played were very good. I always played great tennis there and I am happy with that”. She said.
During 2015 Radwanska had a brief five-month coaching relationship with tennis legend Martina Navratilova. After a series of less than spectacular results on the tour, it was agreed that their partnership would end. The reason for the separation was due to the 18-time Grand Slam champion not being able to fully commit to the partnership. Since the exit of Navratilova, nobody has replaced her mentor-style role. Despite their brief working relationship, Radwanska has spoken highly of her former mentor.
“I have the same coach even when Martina came I did not change anyone, it was just one extra person in my team to have. We split in April and I have the same team for few years for now. I had support from her, her experience. She had a lot to say on many things on and off the court that was really great.” The world No.5 said.
The first test in Radwanska’s bid for Grand Slam glory will be at the Shenzhen Open in China on January 4th where she will be the top seed.
