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Iga Swiatek Australian Open 2021
Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

‘I felt helpless,’ Iga Swiatek opens up about Ana Konjuh defeat


Iga Swiatek has released a statement reflecting on her personally disappointing early exit at the Miami Open.

Iga Swiatek was near the top of a very strong women’s field at the Miami Open this year when she fell to surprise package Ana Konjuh 4-6 6-2 2-6 in the Round of 32.

“It’s not easy at all,” the young Pole said in her declaration on Twitter. “I honestly think that I’m doing a decent job – and looking not at my ranking, but at my experience and development in previous years on tour – I am doing progress.”

Since winning her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2020, Swiatek made the fourth round at the Australian Open and secured a title at the Adelaide International 2021.

“After competing for 3 months on the highest level, basically without a break, it is hard sometimes to calm my nerves on court,” she added to her post.

“Because we’re out of our comfort zone so often and I’m still adapting to this level of competition and pressure.”

Swiatek goes on to address Miami more directly: “Also the fact that at some point I felt helpless is not easy.

“That was a high level, challenging match. And all credit to Ana, because she played [an] amazing match and she wrote [a] beautiful story in Miami.

“That doesn’t change the fact that I will do everything in my power to not feel this way next time.

“It means work, work, work. Because it takes time when everything happens so fast.”

The Polish star is still only 19 years old, seemingly still feeling plenty of pressure given her French Open triumph.

“I look at my tennis work as a marathon, not just a quick sprint. It means I have many years of work to do and many opportunities to be better and better.

“And days like that – are the best lessons.

“So… till the next time. And thank you for your support. It means a lot,” Swiatek ended the tweet.


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