Oct 13 (Reuters) – Iga Swiatek, a regular at the WTA Finals since 2021 and the 2023 champion, is focused on securing her spot for this year's tournament. With limited opportunities remaining, Swiatek understands the significance of performing well in her upcoming matches.
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This year, Swiatek has claimed only one title, the Canadian Open in August, and has not progressed past the quarter-finals in any of the four Grand Slams. Currently ranked 10th in the WTA Finals qualifying standings, she has accumulated 3,799 points but is 111 points behind Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who holds the 9th position. Karolina Muchova, with 4,615 points, is the lowest-ranked player yet to qualify.
"Obviously I’m aware of the situation and it would be great to get into the Finals; for sure it’s our goal," Swiatek stated at a press conference ahead of the Wuhan Open. "It’s the first time I’ve faced a situation like that to get into the finals. It’s a challenge, but I feel like it’s a positive one and I’m really motivated ... There are still a few tournaments ahead."
Since hiring coach Francisco Roig in April, Swiatek has made significant adjustments to her game. She believes the progress made in practice sessions has been valuable. "I needed to change some stuff, and Francisco has a really great idea for my game, and I feel like we’re developing my game on the practice court quite a lot, and it’s been good progress," she said.
Swiatek's most successful stretch came during the US Open swing, which she noted as the most positive part of her season. She will face compatriot Magdalena Frech in her opening match in Wuhan and is also set to participate in WTA 500 events in Ningbo and Tokyo before the WTA Finals conclude.