Iga Swiatek makes admission about being ‘the favourite everywhere’ as she issues ‘chilled out’ claim
Iga Swiatek addressed her status as the clear favourite to win the French Open after her impressive victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the 2024 Italian Open final.
The world No 1 also spoke about seeming “chilled out” after completing the Madrid-Rome double, while she expressed her satisfaction with one standout statistic from her run.
Swiatek crushed Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in the final of the Italian Open to win the WTA 1000 tournament at the Foro Italico for the third time. The 22-year-old now holds an 8-3 record against her Belarusian rival.
The title match was a repeat of the thrilling Madrid Open final two weeks ago, where Swiatek edged out the world No 2 in a deciding set tiebreak after saving three match points.
This Rome final was far more one-sided as Swiatek broke twice in each set and did not lose serve, although she crucially fought off seven break points in her first two service games on the second set.
Alexa, play “Unstoppable” by Sia @iga_swiatek | #IBI24 pic.twitter.com/BDRJjCyNAu
— wta (@WTA) May 18, 2024
Swiatek, who is now on a 12-match winning streak after claiming her fourth WTA 1000 title of 2024, did not drop a set in her six matches in Rome. She will next look to win a fourth French Open title in Paris.
Read More: 5 amazing Iga Swiatek stats as she dominates Aryna Sabalenka with Italian Open masterclass
In her post-match press conference after beating Sabalenka, Swiatek was asked if she is the favourite to triumph at Roland Garros again this year.
“Well, I’m No 1, so I’m the favourite everywhere if you look at rankings,” Swiatek said. “But rankings don’t play, so… I’ll do everything step by step and we’ll see.”
It was then put to Swiatek that she seemed “chilled out” despite accomplishing the rare feat of winning the Madrid and Rome titles back-to-back.
“I’m chilled out maybe compared to Madrid after the final because obviously this final was so surreal,” she explained. “It is a little bit different. But it doesn’t change the fact that I’m really proud of myself and really happy.
“I need to maybe watch some highlights or anything to feel these emotions a little bit longer. I’m chilled out because I kind of knew that if I’m going to work hard and if I’m going to be in the right mindset, this is achievable.
“I’m happy I was so focused and disciplined throughout the tournament to do that. I feel like I’m in the right place.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion was also asked about saving 18 of the last 19 break points she faced across her last three matches in Rome, including all seven in the final.
“Well, overall I try to treat these points as any other point,” said the Pole. “I’m not feeling like I’m under so much pressure. Maybe also because I know I’m a great returner, even if I’m going to get broken, I can work it out.
“I think on this tournament, my serve was kind of really helping me. All this work that we’ve been putting actually paid off in those important moments. So, yeah, I’m really happy with that because that’s what we’ve been working for.”
Read More: The 5 players who have won the Madrid-Rome ‘Dirtball Double’ as Iga Swiatek achieves rare feat
