Iga Swiatek releases assertion after shedding No 1 rating with US Open upset
Iga Swiatek launched a passionate assertion following her early exit from the US Open. As a results of her fourth-round loss, the 22-year-old will lose the world No 1 rating for the primary time since ascending to the highest final March. Swiatek was the reigning champion in Flushing Meadows however was upset by twentieth seed Jelena Ostapenko.
Swiatek’s title defence on the US Open got here to an finish on Sunday night time as Ostapenko defeated her 3-6 6-3 6-1. The Pole got here into New York along with her world No 1 standing in danger, as she was in a two-horse race for the highest spot with Aryna Sabalenka.
The four-time Grand Slam champion needed to make it one spherical higher than the 25-year-old or she was assured to drop within the rankings on the primary Monday after the match. With the Swiatek’s half of the draw taking part in first, the stress was on the Pole to win each match or instantly succumb to Sabalenka.
Since shedding her No 1 standing to the Belarusian, Swiatek has launched an announcement about her probability to have a “clean slate”. Taking to social media, she wrote: “Last 1.5 years was a time of observing and experiencing how much people talk and write about ‘defending’, ‘defense’ – of titles, ranking position, points…
“I was surprised sometimes to start to think this way because of this. But… I don’t need to defend anything and this is a good moment to write down some thoughts. For me sport is a cycle of constant changes exactly like in everyday life, we can either win or lose – that’s it, it’s so simple. New season, next tournament, new opportunities to GAIN, ACHIEVE, not defend something. Clean slate.”
The 15-time title winner additionally addressed those that thought she might have had a extra profitable North American hard-court swing, as she additionally misplaced within the semi-finals of the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open. “During this year’s US swing I could win and achieve more, that’s for sure. I know some of you expected more, many of you expected ‘defending’ the no 1 ranking, the title,” she continued.
“But I stick to my mindset: when I work hard, I’m developing myself and doing my job, I will create many more chances to WIN, to ACHIEVE my goals and not to defend. The way to do it is to constantly focus on my high standards in what I do and learn from the best in this sport and from my team.”
In a parting message to her followers, Swiatek added: “And yes… What a journey it was as a number 1 in women’s tennis! Thank you for being with me on this. I will try to appreciate this time before I go forward, trying to achieve more. Last but not least… Many thanks for all your support and positive messages you’re sending me. It gives me a lot of energy to work hard.”