When Iga Swiatek climbed the WTA ranking ladder to the top last year, she did not envision its future. After taking the baton from Ashleigh Barty, Swiatek tried her best to defend this world no. 1 title for 75 weeks. However, after all those weeks of glory, she stepped down from the podium as she unwillingly had to give her top spot to Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek’s disheartening US Open fourth-round defeat against Jelena Ostapenko became the final nail in the coffin for her to step down from her position.

However, this has not led Swiatek to lose her winning mindset. Training hard and maintaining her mental resilience are the most important things for her as she looks forward to turning the odds in her favor.

As Aryna Sabalenka takes the podium, Iga Swiatek looks to rebound with a resilient mindset 

The Polish tennis star became one of the most swiftly rising tennis players since last year on the WTA circuit. Her resilience and her skills led her to hold her world no. 1 ranking for 75 weeks.

However, all good things come to an end. Swiatek fell down to become world no. 2 after she faced a disheartening defeat by Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open in the fourth round.

However, this has not broken her spirit. In a heartfelt message to her fans, she confessed, “Last 1.5 year was a time of observing and experiencing how much people talk and write about “defending”, “defense” – of titles, ranking position, points.” This consequently affected her perspective too as she confessed even she felt influenced by that.

However, she added, “But… I don’t need to defend anything.” Putting down her words, she confessed her feelings for the sport. She stated, “For me, sport is a cycle of constant changes exactly like in everyday life, we can either win or lose – that’s it, it’s so simple.” As the new opportunities arrive, she feels they are to gain and achieve something and “not defend something.” 

Furthermore, she stuck to her narrative even after confessing that she knew a lot of people wanted her to “defend” the US Open title and the ranking. However, she added, “But I stick to my mindset: when I work hard, I’m developing myself and doing my job.”

READ MORE: Hopping on the Same Ranking Boat as Novak Djokovic, Belarusian Beauty Aryna Sabalenka Gets a Cheeky Surprise From the Serbian Legend

Conclusively, she thanked her fans for having her back and supporting her throughout. However, that was not it. Leaving Sabalenka out of her message might mean something more.

Is Swiatek planning to dethrone Aryna Sabalenka soon? 

She also left a hint of ambition with her message of gratitude. She stated, “I will try to appreciate this time before I go forward, trying to achieve more.”

This might mean that even if Aryna Sabalenka might have clinched the top position for now, Swiatek has her plans. She is not planning to let the Belarusian player hold that position for too long. On the other hand, Sabalenka is enjoying the thrill of soon-to-be world no. 1 as Novak Djokovic has also sent her wishes with a unique twist.

Finally, with the support of her fans, Swiatek has confessed that it has given her the energy to work hard. Do you think Swiatek can regain her world No. 1 ranking soon? Let us know in the comments below.

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