Iga Swiatek is of the belief that
Aryna Sabalenka deserves her World No.1 spot despite it being given to her based off penalties that both the Pole and Belarusian were handed two weeks ago.
Swiatek has an uphill struggle in order to fight for the spot back and of course wanting it back, it is on her mind. But by her own admission, she didn't lament losing it. The duo also practiced together for the first time in a number of years and even had TikTok videos and dances together as they showed a friendship amid the rivalry.
“Obviously we're both fighting for this spot. Yeah, it's been us basically kind of over the past few years. Yeah, I mean, I am in the tournament. I obviously want to play my best game here and win this tournament. I'm just going to focus on my first match and do everything step by step," said Swiatek.
"Actually, I don't know, it was just nice to practice with Aryna because we haven't done that in a while, since probably 2022. It's been a long time. I'm not really sure why (smiling). Yeah, it was a really good practice.
"She's a great player. She deserves to be world No. 1. For sure I'm going to fight for me to be in that place.”
But also whilst not wanting to be drawn on her weaknesses for her opponents to take advantage of, she said that she is not a complete player and she is working with new coach Wim Fissette in order to iron out the issues that have plagued her at times when she is not on song.
“If I'm going to answer that, then everybody is going to know what is my weaker side (smiling). No, I mean, I think it's kind of obvious. I for sure want to improve my serve, as l've been doing for past years. I feel like I still need to continue that. For sure I'm not a complete player.
"I think tactically there are many ways I could go and have more variety on court. Wim has some nice ideas. Honestly for now we've just been preparing for this tournament and getting to know each other. The real changes, we're going to talk about them during the off-season because that's the proper time to do it.
"For now I've been trying to just be in the best shape for this tournament. Some technicalities, we're going to work on them in the pre-season.”
