Iga Swaitek believes the most important thing for her is to stay in the present and not to think too far ahead after claiming her fourth Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The world No.1 ousted Karolina Muchova in three sets to become the first woman to defend her title in Paris since Justin Henin in 2007. Swiatek has also become the third woman in the Open Era to win her first four Grand Slam finals played after Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka. Furthermore, at the age of 22, she has become the youngest four-time Grand Slam champion in over 20 years on the women’s Tour.
It appears that the skies are the limit for Swiatek, who has also won 10 titles on the WTA Tour. Some predict that the Pole could dominate the sport for many years to come and break various records. However, she is not in favour of having this much hype around her.
“I’m not looking that far ahead. I’m just happy with what happened during these past few weeks,” said Swiatek.
“I don’t know what I’m kind of capable of. So I will work day-by-day to play my best game possible and to develop as a player.’
“I’m not setting any crazy records or goals for myself. I know that keeping it cool is the best way to do it for me.”
Swiatek’s latest match in the French capital was as much of a mental test as it was physically. Prompting her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski to describe the encounter as the toughest he has experienced since working with her. Muchova was the only player to take a set off Swiatek in the tournament.
“The match was intense with a lot of ups and downs. Stressful moments and coming back,” she reflected.
“I’m pretty happy that at the end I could be solid in those few last games and finish it. Karolina played well. It was a big challenge. I’m happy and proud of myself that I did it.”
There were times this season when the prospect of Grand Slam glory felt a long way away. In January at the Australian Open, Swiatek admitted to feeling under pressure after crashing out in the fourth round to Elena Rybakina. A few weeks later she suffered a hip injury in Indian Wells before suffering a thigh issue at the Italian Open.
“I’m happy that I managed to do that,” she said of handling the pressure. “Daria (her sports psychologist) helped me because these past three weeks weren’t easy.’
“It was a whole team effort. Maciej (her physiotherapist) took care of my health and managed these little injuries that happened. He’s the reason I was able to compete and come back quickly after both Indian Wells and Rome.” She added.
Swiatek is now 26-2 in Grand Slam matches since becoming No.1 on April 4, 2022.
