Iga Swiatek believes a crucial change in her mindset affected her chances at the 2023 Australian Open, eventually leading to a fourth-round exit on Sunday at the hands of reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Swiatek feels her approach to the Melbourne Grand Slam and wanting it “a little bit too hard” was indeed a step back from her highly successful approach throughout a historic 2022 season.
Swiatek lost 4-6, 4-6 to Rybakina in a clash between two Grand Slam champions and often seemed outmanuvered by Rybakina’s power-packed style of play. Despite taking an early 3-0 lead in the second set, the world No. 1 was unable to capitalize and lost six of the next seven games, which was quite uncharacteristic.
The Polish tennis superstar believes her defeat had more to do with her own approach and mindset than it had to with her lacking the game to beat Rybakina. Swiatek explained the difference between her approach at the 2023 Australian Open as compared to most of the 2022 season, admitting that the past two weeks have been “pretty hard” on her. She felt a lack of fighting spirit in the match against Rybakina.
Already looking at the road ahead, the three-time Grand Slam champion is certain that she wants to “chill” a bit more and approach tournaments with a more relaxed state of mind.
