Iga Swiatek admitted that there is a target on her back and she has to adjust to the high expectations and harsh criticism. She faced negativity after defeat in the Dubai Tennis Championships final.
By India Today Sports Desk: World number one Iga Swiatek admitted that there is a target on her back and she has to adjust to the high expectations and harsh criticism.
The Polish star Swiatek began her record 37-match winning streak at Indian Wells in the Southern California desert last year. Since then, Swiatek has become one of the players to beat as he reclaimed her French Open title and won maiden US Open in 2022.
“I feel like there is a little bit of a target on my back, which I didn’t feel last year. So it’s a different situation and I have to adjust to that,” Swiatek said. “On the other hand I’ve been number one for almost a year so I already have enough experience to deal with it.”
Swiatek also said that she was surprised by the negativity that came her way following the defeat in the Dubai Tennis Championships final after she defended her title in Doha.
“I lost in the final and people were surprised – not happy with the performance – and just critical,” Swiatek said. “It made me think that last year, before this huge streak and before winning all these tournaments, I would have been so happy with the result.
“But because of these comments right now, I felt like ooh, that’s not enough. I’m trying not to read those kinds of things because I’m happy with the work I’ve put in and how I played in Doha and Dubai.
“There is more pressure and expectation but I’m trying to deal with that the best way possible. And I think I’m doing good,” added Swiatek.
