Iga Swiatek 'not going to care' about French Open favourite tag as she targets third Roland-Garros

Published 10/05/2023 at 15:46 GMT

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek was eager to quell the hype surrounding her as she continues preparations for the second Grand Slam of the year. Swiatek has won the French Open twice before in 2020 and in 2022, but is not taking much notice of people casting her as the favourite at Roland-Garros. Her focus is currently on the Rome Masters and a match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Thursday.

'Not going to care about that' - Swiatek brushes off favourite talk ahead of French Open

Iga Swiatek says she is unfazed by her favourite tag heading into the French Open as she targets a third Roland-Garros title.

The world No.1 won in Paris without dropping a set in 2020 and followed up with another impressive victory last year.

She has highlighted the importance of cutting out external pressures heading into a Grand Slam and focusing on the enjoyment of playing at the tournament.

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She told Eurosport about being favourite for the French Open: “I don't think I'm going to care about that. I don't want to think about how people view this sort of stuff.

“It's pretty easy for me to cut off all the social media or media and try to focus on my job of playing tennis.

“But it's never easy and sometimes there are ups and downs. Last year I was able to cut it off and play my game. I've enjoyed playing on clay so hopefully I can focus on that.”

Aryna Sabalenka spoke about the rivalry with Swiatek and how it has pushed her onto greater heights – a sentiment echoed by the Pole.

“Having someone playing so well like Aryna is motivating. It keeps me constantly ready and on my toes.

“It really struck me two years ago when I played against Ashleigh Barty, I had a pretty similar feeling playing against her.

“So, in practices I imagine how she is playing the slice and I try to pick it up and give it back. It is a bit like that, but I am glad that have good players and we can motivate each other.”

After a remarkable year in 2022, Swiatek has not been as dominant this season, losing to Elena Rybakina in straight sets at the Australian Open and Indian Wells, and missing the Miami Open with injury.

Best shots from Iga Swiatek in 2022

However, the 21-year-old believes she is now back on the right track after winning in Stuttgart and making the Madrid final last week.

"The season is long, so I'm not always expecting to be on that right path. I am aware that we are living a stressful life and there are going to be struggles.

“But at the beginning of the year, it was a little bit tougher than usual and I managed to work on that and to get through it.

“When I came to the Middle East to Dubai, I found my rhythm a little bit and I managed to keep that. Hopefully it's going to last long enough; I'm keeping it pretty simple and will take it step by step.”

Swiatek plays Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in her first match at the Rome Masters on Thursday.

The French Open starts on May 28.

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