Iga Swiatek insists she is not thinking too much about the prospect of overthrowing Aryna Sabalenka from the world No. 1 spot as the Pole believes she will get there if she produces good play and results.
Since mid-September, the five-time Grand Slam champion has been ranked at No. 2 in the world and currently 8,120 ranking points.
On the other side, the Belarusian has 9,656 points on the rankings list but also defends 2,000 ranking points at the ongoing Australian Open.
Since Swiatek is defending only 130 points in Melbourne this year due to her third-round exit from 2024, she could possibly return to the top spot in 10 days.
While there are multiple scenarios, the main two are – Sabalenka needs to least reach the quarterfinal to have a chance or staying at No. 1 but the Pole still has everything in her hands since winning the Australian Open would also bring her back the top spot.
Swiatek asked it feels any different for her to be No. 2 instead of No. 1
“I remember for the past two years I started at No. 1, so I felt like I needed to show from the beginning of the season my tools and what I can play,” the 23-year-old explained.
“Yeah, there was a lot of pressure starting the year as No. 1, but I think overall last year I didn’t think about it this much anyway.
“Also, I realized last year that I don’t have 100% influence on what happens with my ranking sometimes. So now I just focus on tennis.
“If I play well, I know I’ll be back at No. 1. If I don’t and Aryna plays better, she’ll be No. 1. I think it’s just smarter to focus on tennis, and the ranking will come after that.”
Meanwhile, Swiatek crushed Rebecca Sramkova 6-0 6-2 on Thursday and plays Emma Raducanu in the Australian Open third round.
Tennis World USA