Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander has said that Iga Swiatek losing the world number one ranking is probably the best thing that could happen to her. Swiatek was knocked out of the ongoing 2023 US Open after losing against Jelena Ostapenko in the round of 16 stage.
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Speaking to Eurosport, Wilander said losing the world number one spot is probably the best thing that could happen to Swiatek, adding that there’s a reason for her to start working on her game again. Ostapenko beat Swiatek 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
“I think this is most probably the best thing that can happen for her tennis. There’s a reason for her to start working on her game again and figuring out what happens to her when she plays against big hitters now she doesn’t have to [worry about being world No. 1],” said Wilander.
The Swede said it’s time for Swiatek to step aside and work on her game a bit. Despite not dropping a set throughout this tournament, Swiatek found herself unable to suppress the determination and prowess of Ostapenko, who displayed confidence with every forehand winner.
“But she’s right in the statement about defending. We turn into a bit of a negative, we talk about defending, defending points, so I think it’s time for her to step aside and work on her game a bit,” Wilander added.
With her defeat, Swiatek lost her No.1 world ranking to Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek admitted that she is disappointed after losing the top ranking, but also vowed to make a strong comeback.
“Well, it meant a lot, obviously. It was great. On the other hand, this last part, it was pretty exhausting [to defend No. 1]. I still need to do all this stuff that my team and all these great players like Roger or Novak or Rafa are talking about: You just have to focus on the tournaments, not the rankings,” she stated.
