Iga Swiatek possibly had a tough 12 months at occasions and did not get the outcomes she focused however is making an attempt to be appreciative of the whole lot that occurred to her this season – good or unhealthy – and attempt to look ahead to the subsequent challenges.
After beginning her Grand Slam season with a shock third-round exit on the Australian Open, the Pole bounced again by finishing a three-peat on the French Open. However then, one other early third-round loss got here at Wimbledon, earlier than the five-time Main winner additionally suffered a shock US Open quarterfinal defeat to Jessica Pegula.
On the Paris Olympics – the place she was by far the No. 1 favourite to win – Swiatek was completely crushed after stunningly dropping to Zheng Qinwen within the semifinal. Whereas the 23-year-old managed to win the bronze medal, it wasn’t a secret that she got here for the primary prize.
In late 2024, she additionally misplaced the world No. 1 spot to Aryna Sabalenka and didn’t defend her WTA Finals title.
In relation to her achievements, Swiatek received a complete of 5 titles this 12 months, together with her largest success coming through the clay season, when she made all of it the way in which in Madrid Rome and the French Open. Additionally, she had triumphant runs in Doha and Indian Wells early within the season.
This 12 months, the Polish star topped greater than 100 weeks on the world No. 1 spot as she is already seven on the all-time record with a complete of 125 weeks spent on the high spot. Additionally, she led Poland to their first Billie Jean King Cup semifinal.
On paper, it was nonetheless an excellent season. However with Aryna Sabalenka’s current rise and kind, the sensation is that the Belarusian has changed Swiatek as the most effective participant on the planet.
“Thanks for this season. At the start I’m thanking myself and my group as a result of it was one other extraordinary 12 months. It was the season of not being a superhero and accepting it, dealing with new challenges, grinding, laborious work, appreciating milestones and unlocking new achievements,” the five-time Grand Slam champion mirrored in an Instagram put up.
“However what’s elementary, I end this 12 months with enormous satisfaction and delight of my grit, power and the whole lot that I’ve achieved and achieved which says greater than any phrases. It’s time to relaxation and reset. My physique and thoughts want that. Thanks to each type and supportive human being who’s by my aspect on this journey. See you quickly.”
Swiatek gave all of it for Poland in Malaga
At this previous Billie Jean King Cup Finals, the world No. 2 left all of it to assist her nation make a robust end result.
After the Czech Republic received the opening match of their quarterfinal tie, Swiatek survived a thriller towards Linda Noskova 7-6 (4) 4-6 7-5 to pressure a deciding match. In that deciding doubles match, she returned to the court docket as she and Katarzyna Kawa upset doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova and Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4 to propel Poland into their first semifinal within the competitors.
“It’s wonderful that we’ve got made historical past for Poland – a dream come true. I missed taking part in this occasion a few occasions, however now I’ve the prospect to play I need to make an influence and do one thing effectively. I’m so completely happy that I lastly acquired the chance and this event is wonderful,” the previous world No. 1 mentioned after making Polish tennis historical past.
After main her nation to a hard-fought win over the Czechs, Swiatek discovered herself in a tricky process once more after Italy opened an early lead of their semifinal matchup.
Whereas the Polish tennis star managed to finish a 3-6 6-4 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini for an additional deciding match, Poland fell brief after she and Kawa picked up a heartbreaking 5-7 5-7 loss.
Afterward, the 23-year-old mentioned she felt drained like by no means earlier than after spending almost 11 hours on the court docket throughout 5 matches performed in Malaga.
“I do not assume I will really feel any power tomorrow after I get up; I really feel like my complete physique is sore. I positively performed some good matches this week, though at this time I simply tried to outlive bodily, however I am completely happy that I saved my focus within the two matches at this time despite the fact that within the earlier spherical my recreation wasn’t as excellent. They have been very shut matches; it was good to win the singles in essential moments, that is after I took benefit of my possibilities. Now I’ll begin 2025 with new objectives, I am trying ahead to it, as I did not have a lot time to coach with Wim (Fissette), so will probably be good to check out new issues,” Swiatek mentioned.
The five-time Grand Slam champion will begin her 2025 season on the United Cup.
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