Iga Swiatek: A Resilient Return to the U.S. Open

Iga Swiatek, the defending U.S. Open champion, faced a disappointing fourth-round exit last year and lost her number one ranking. This year, she enters the tournament with less pressure, focusing on her gameplay. Despite challenges, including a recent loss, she remains determined to reclaim her title.

Iga Swiatek's hopes for a U.S. Open title defense were dashed last year when she exited in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows. However, she now feels liberated from the pressure that contributed to her downfall.

Swiatek, who won the tournament in 2022, was upset by Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, losing her world number one ranking to Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. The Polish player later regained the top spot by winning the season-ending WTA Finals.

"Last year, I had many things to defend - my world number one position, all my points, and the title itself," Swiatek said in New York. "This year is different; I'm focusing on my gameplay. My expectations are lower, and I'm approaching things step by step." Despite winning five titles, including the French Open, Swiatek admitted to recent struggles, including a rough patch at the Paris Games and a loss in Cincinnati.

She aims to maintain a positive mindset. As the top seed, Swiatek will start her U.S. Open campaign against a qualifier, with a potential quarter-final clash against American Jessica Pegula. The U.S. Open runs from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)