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New York – When it comes to tennis, Iga Swiatek, the reigning world No. 1, has consistently dominated the sport for the last couple of years. However, her mental fortitude is put to the test every time she steps onto the court. The first Tuesday of the 2024 U.S. Open saw Swiatek struggle against Kamilla Rakhimova, committing 41 unforced errors before narrowly escaping with a 6-4, 7-6(6) victory.
Iga Swiatek looked at odds with herself during her first-round match in New York (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Despite the struggles, the win didn’t bring her much joy, only a flushed face and a mind full of thoughts. Fast forward to her next match, and Swiatek cruised to victory against Ena Shibahara, showcasing her dominance with ease.
Swiatek’s journey is a testament to her inner battles. She acknowledges the pressure of high expectations and strives to focus on improvement rather than perfection. Her style of play often borders on impatience, but she’s learning to strike a balance between aggression and strategy.
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Swiatek’s recent struggles echo the mental toll of a grueling season. Despite her remarkable talent, she faces the challenge of managing her expectations and enjoying the game without succumbing to pressure.
The women’s world No. 1 rarely defers to what is coming over the net from her opponent (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Swiatek’s ongoing battle with mental and emotional fatigue underscores the toll of a demanding schedule. With the specter of burnout looming, the tennis star strives to find a balance between excellence and self-care.
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As Swiatek navigates the challenges of a demanding season, she draws inspiration from her tennis idol, Rafael Nadal. By finding a balance between aggression and patience, she hopes to overcome mental hurdles and continue her winning streak at the US Open.
