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Women’s world number one Iga Swiatek has revealed why her off-season was the most “peaceful” in her short but successful career ahead of the Australian Open.
Throughout 2023, the 22-year-old won her third French Open, making it four grand slams after taking out the US Open in 2022.
The Polish star started her United Cup campaign in style, defeating Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2 6-2.
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Speaking after her victory, Swiatek described the preparation for the Australian Open as one of the calmest she’s ever experienced.
“Honestly I would say this off-season is the most peaceful for me because every year before I’ve faced different challenges,” she told Nine’s Jelena Dokic.
“In 2020 I won my first grand slam, which was pretty hectic. I wasn’t even focusing on tennis or all the right things so I needed to get back on the right path.
“After 2021 I changed coaches so that was also a different challenge.
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“Last year I felt like the whole world was watching. Obviously it is watching right now as well but I feel like I’ve already got used to this position and I could really focus on practising and resting and it was really peaceful for the first time.”
The four-time grand slam winner will be hoping she can improve on her best Australian Open result in 2022, when she finished with a semi-final appearance.
Asked whether the world can expect a more dangerous Swiatek, the world number one was optimistic before insisting she was “talking too much”.
“I hope so, I’ll do my best,” she said.
“But for now I’m really happy to be on the (Poland) team and I have so much fun.
“I always feel in Australia you can focus on tennis because everyone is [focusing on] the tennis for a couple of weeks but on the other hand off the court there’s fun stuff to do and this is such a beautiful country and I’m just happy to be here.
“It’s easy to rest and for now let’s cheer on Hubert [Hurkacz] and the mixed doubles because it’s not often we play mixed doubles.
“I’m really excited that I’m going to play today, sorry I’m talking too much, maybe I should go.”
Swiatek will end her United Cup round against Brazil in the mixed doubles with Hurkacz and spoke of her delight in playing against men.
“I really like playing mixed doubles because it’s such a challenge for me playing against guys,” she said.
