After the Madrid break: Iga Swiatek starts with confidence in Rome
Iga Swiatek will face Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round of the 1000 tournament in Rome. She told the press that she would come back as a "different player".
by Dennis Heineman
last edit: May 10, 2022, 06:24 pm
Iga Swiatek is ranked number one in the world, has won the last four tournaments she has competed in (Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Stuttgart) and is currently on a 23-game winning streak. She didn't start in Madrid - mainly to give her shoulder a little break.
Referring to her success in Rome last year, the Pole told the press: "I feel like a different player right now. I think despite my wins I was still looking for consistency and for the certainty that my win at Roland Garros (2020) was no exception. I feel like I've found that now and can focus on my next goals."
Swiatek praises Coach Witkowski
The 20-year-old signed Tomasz Witkowski at the beginning of the season. Together with him, she was absolutely convincing, especially on hard court. “He made me play even more aggressively. Before, I didn't really think it was my kind of game. At the moment I feel like most of the success is due to that.”
Swiatek has already shown in Stuttgart how quickly she can get used to sand. This even suits her, because in her eyes it is more the game of the "old" Iga. "Basically, you don't have to play that aggressively on clay." She should be rested and fresh when she starts in the second round against Elena-Gabriela Ruse. She spoke of a break of several days, followed by a tougher training session before the tournament in Rome.
Here is the women's individual tableau
rommap