“This tournament will give me confidence for the rest of my career” – Swiatek on crucial WTA-1000 title win in Beijing

The Pole won her first Masters 1000 of the season against Liudmila Samsonova in Beijing, in what was a huge confidence boost

(Zuma/Panoramic)

Lucas Morlier

October 9, 2023

Eliminated in the round of 16 of the US Open, Iga Swiatek was not as dominant as she imagined during the American tour. The Pole did not win a title and lost her place at the top of the WTA rankings, being replaced by Aryna Sabalenka, who made the final at Flushing Meadows.

In Tokyo last week, the Warsaw native also exited the tournament in the second round after losing to Veronika Kudermetova. It could have been viewed as a worrying setback, especially given the nature of the difficulties encountered by the 22-year-old in that match.

In Beijing, as she competed in the Chinese tournament for the first time in her career, Swiatek re-established some level of authority that had led to her to the top of the rankings. Victorious in the final against Liudmila Samsonova, she dropped only one set all week en route to her first Masters 1000 of the season, the 16th title of her career.

Iga Swiatek, Beijing, 2023 — Iga Swiatek wins the China Open 2023 in Beijing Andy Wong/AP/SIPA

That was all it took for the world No 2 to regain her confidence.

“I feel like this tournament is going to give me confidence for the rest of my career, that there’s always a chance to overcome and work on what you’re doing or how you’re feeling. I’m really happy that I focused on the work. It paid off, maybe not instantly, but I’m happy to have gone back to basics after the US Open and worked really tennis. I will continue to do so. For sure, winning this trophy is something that will serve as a lesson for me for the rest of my life,” she explained in a press conference.

Swiatek feeling like she does at Roland-Garros

Swiatek was all smiles at the end of her matches in Beijing and appeared much more relaxed than she did on the US swing. That enjoyment paid off on the court, so much so that the Pole compares her good feelings here to those of Roland-Garros, a Grand Slam tournament she has won three times, including this year.

“I think I’ve really enjoyed playing here, on this surface and in these stadiums. It all worked. Sometimes I feel like at Roland Garros I really know this place, that everything is really nice and comfortable. This is my first time playing, but I felt that too. I’ve enjoyed my team here in Beijing, and that’s also had a certain influence,” she said, thanking her team at length after the final.

Hidden behind her cap, the Pole often gives the impression of controlled coldness. Yet after her victory in Beijing, she couldn’t hold back a few tears, revealing how important this title was to her.

“I cried a little bit afterwards, because I know how difficult it was for us to, I don’t know, stay positive and focus on the future. I’ve felt tremendous support from my team over the past few weeks. I’m really grateful for that,” she said.

If the Pole is back to full form, then the rest of the field at the WTA Finals in Cancun will have their work cut out to stop her getting a sixth title for the season.