Former world #1 Masts Wilander has asserted that losing the #1 ranking could be the “best thing that can happen” to Iga Swiatek and for her tennis.
The tennis legend feels being overtaken by Aryna Sabalenka will give the Pole a reason to start working again to build her game for the biggest stages. Defending US Open Champion faced an upset defeat in three sets at the hands of Jelena Ostapenko in R4 on Monday.
As a result of the loss, Swiatek’s 75-week #1 stint will end following the tournament with Sabalenka set to take throne as new WTA queen. Her streak was the third-longest in WTA history for a first time #1 after Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis. Swiatek though bagged her 3rd Roland Garros trophy earlier in June this year but fell in the quarters at SW19 and R4 at the Melbourne Park.
7-time GS champion Wilander is a Eurosport tennis commentator and in an interview on the popular European sports media he explained why he suggests losing #1 position should be rated as positive for the 4-time Slam champion.
“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 the Swede.
“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.”
Swiatek also reflected on her title and #1 ranking defense following her ouster from the season-ending hard-court slam.
John McEnroe, another former world No 1 and also a 7-times major champion, also gave his thoughts on 22-year-old’s reign at the top of women’s tennis.
“She has done a fantastic job for the most part. Of course there is more pressure and expectations. The No 1 player is looked at more carefully, you have to accept and expect that,” explained the American.
“She won the US Open last year, she’s won three French Opens, she’s carried herself proudly, she has done a fantastic job all in all. But you are the hunted, people are coming after you.”