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Iga Swiatek Trumps Rival Aryna Sabalenka Yet Again to Win the Prestigious WTA Award

Published 12/11/2023, 10:04 AM EST

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via Reuters

Things have been going in the favor of Iga Swiatek of late. A few weeks back, she clinched the year-ending championship, the WTA Finals. Further, she also reclaimed her Number 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. Owing to the strong finish to the year, Swiatek has another moment to cherish after winning a big award.

The Polish star has had a consistent run across the tournaments this year. She has won six titles in 2023, including the French Open and the WTA Finals. As a result, she has pipped the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff to a major WTA honor.

Iga Swiatek clinches the WTA Player of the Year Award

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The 22-year-old has been named the 2023 WTA Player of the Year owing to her brilliant performance this year. It is the second time in a row that she has been voted for this honor on account of winning a tour-leading six titles in 2023. Further, she also secured the year-ending Number 1 ranking.

The Polish tennis ace also won this award last year. As a result, she became the first player since Serena Williams to lift back-to-back WTA Player of the Year titles. The American legend achieved this feat during the years 2012 to 2016.

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No other WTA star managed to win more titles than Swiatek this year, who won an astonishing 6 titles. Earlier this season, she defended her French Open title after defeating Karolina Muchova in the summit clash. Later this year, she won the China Open WTA 1000 title. Finally, she clinched the year-ending WTA Finals that ensured she finished on the top spot in the WTA rankings in 2023.

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Despite her massive achievements, Swiatek has been humble and stayed down-to-earth. She refused to accept her Number 1 ranking that she got by overtaking Aryna Sabalenka. Instead, she heaped praise on her rival.

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Iga Swiatek displays her humble nature

The two went head-to-head in the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Mexico. However, it was Swiatek who came out on top, defeating Sabalenka in straight sets. Subsequently, she spoke highly about her opponent, who had a wonderful season.

Talking about the Number 1 spot, Swiatek said, “She deserved it. She had a great season. She won a Grand Slam, was in the final of another Grand Slam and in two semi-finals, so it was an amazing season.”

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Nonetheless, Sabalenka will be eager to reclaim her top spot as they go again face-to-face next year. Can Swiatek maintain her domination or will it be Sabalenka’s year to cherish next season? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Vatsal Shah

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Being a die-hard fan of tennis and an ardent follower of Rafael Nadal, tennis has been a part of my life even before I ventured into sports journalism. If I have learned anything from the incredible career of the ?King of Clay?, it is to constantly enhance your skill sets, no matter at what stage you are in your career. This motivated me to complete an Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management while pursuing my career as a sports writer.
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Edited by:

Shudh.mukherjee