Iga Swiatek Brutally Snubbed for Rival Aryna Sabalenka by Polish Tennis Insider as Confidence Falters Ahead of High-Stakes WTA Finals
Iga Swiatek Brutally Snubbed for Rival Aryna Sabalenka by Polish Tennis Insider as Confidence Falters Ahead of High-Stakes WTA Finals
Iga Swiatek is yet to find her true form this season. After splitting up with former coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, the Pole brought up Wim Fissette. She is now eyeing to reinstate her dominance with a much-needed comeback. While the former World No.1 is currently training for the WTA Finals, it seems like she’s not among the top picks to lift the trophy this time. A reputed insider believes it’s her toughest rival who will clinch the title in 2024.
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has recently emerged as a favorite to lift the trophy of the WTA Finals. It’s because of her consistency and a strong winning streak. She was trailing behind Iga Swiatek a few days ago in the women’s singles ranking. However, she regained the number one position, owing to her impressive performance in recent events.
On the other hand, Swiatek is yet to play a professional match since her last appearance in this year’s US Open. At the Flushing Meadows, she was ousted after losing against Jessica Pegula in straight sets. In an interaction with Sport.pl, renowned journalist Marek Furjan highlighted Iga’s struggles while giving an honest take on who can win the WTA Finals. He thinks Sabalenka will emerge victorious.
“The Belarusian woman is in great shape at the end of the season, she won the US Open, then the tournament in Wuhan. He has everything in his hands to finish the season as number one,” said Furjan. Commenting on both the players, he said “The Polish woman is not the main favorite to win the WTA Finals, Aryna Sabalenka will play this role in Riyadh.”
Charming gesture
But why is it so? Simply because the journalist believes Iga’s new trainer won’t play a bigger role in the WTA Finals. The overall transition may take some time to come into effect. “It’s not possible for Fissette’s hand to be seen in Riyadh. However, these first matches will be very important to get to know each other better and develop a communication system. Traces of Belgian’s work can only be seen during the January Australian Open, and maybe even later,” he said.
Iga might not be a top pick, but it doesn’t seem to deter her spirit. The Pole recently made her first appearance with coach Fissette, displaying her excitement to make a solid return.
Iga Swiatkek trains with coach Wim Fissette ahead of WTA Finals
The four-time Grand Slam winner arrived in Riyadh a few days ago. As of now, she’s practicing hard to improve her overall performance. Taking to her Instagram account, the Pole shared several pictures from her session with the Belgian coach. The latter was previously associated with the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, and Naomi Osaka.
Under Wim’s tutelage, players have shown tremendous results in quick time. Iga Swiatek will hope for the same as well going forward. When she first announced her team-up with Wim, earlier this month, the player wrote that he “seems to have a great attitude, vision and huge experience at a very top level of tennis. It’s always crucial to try and get to know each other better but we’re off to a good start and I can’t wait to compete soon.”
Only time will tell if this partnership will prove fruitful or not. Iga’s avid fans will look forward to a great comeback. Do you think she will regain her lost form in the upcoming WTA Finals? Let us know in the comments.
