“I don’t like playing with Jelena Ostapenko, I bet she especially likes my style’ Iga Swiatek reveals

Iga Swiatek, one of the brightest stars in the world of women’s tennis, recently opened up about her challenging rivalry with Jelena Ostapenko. This revelation came in the wake of her fourth straight loss to the Latvian at the 2023 US Open, where she lost her World No. 1 ranking due to a stunning comeback by Ostapenko.

Swiatek, known for her remarkable skills on the court, acknowledged the discomfort she feels when facing Ostapenko. In a recent interview with Eurosport, Swiatek candidly expressed her feelings, saying, “I don’t like playing with Ostapenko. There are simply some players who are uncomfortable to play with. I bet she has the opposite situation and she especially likes my style.” These words shed light on the competitive dynamics between these two exceptional players.

However, Swiatek demonstrated resilience and a forward-looking attitude by emphasizing the natural ebb and flow of tennis. She stated, “This is completely natural in tennis. There is no point in falling into a catastrophe; we have to move forward.” Her ability to maintain composure and adapt to the challenges of the sport reflects her maturity as a player.

Reflecting on her 2023 season, Swiatek acknowledged that defending titles had become a prevailing theme in media coverage. She noted that the pressure to defend titles, ranking positions, and points had influenced her thinking. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “But… I don’t need to defend anything.” This declaration signaled a shift in her mindset, emphasizing her focus on continual self-improvement.

Rather than dwelling on defending her previous year’s titles, Swiatek declared her intention to create opportunities to win tournaments throughout the season. She firmly asserted, “But I stick to my mindset: when I work hard, I’m developing myself and doing my job, I will create many more chances to WIN, to ACHIEVE my goals and not to defend.” Her determination to maintain high standards in her performance showcases her dedication to personal growth.

Looking ahead, Iga Swiatek is set to participate in the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific in Tokyo, Japan, demonstrating her commitment to the sport and her unwavering pursuit of success. Her candid insights into her rivalry with Jelena Ostapenko and her evolved perspective on tennis shed light on the mindset of a true champion, ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.