Iga Swiatek says she isn’t thinking about claiming the no.1 spot in women’s tennis.
The Pole slipped down to eight in the world not long ago, but after claiming glory at Wimbledon, she is marching back up the rankings.
And with the US Open about to start, Swiatek can close the gap on current world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
However, the Belarusian is miles ahead of the four-time French Open winner.
Sabalenka currently has 11,225 WTA ranking points, while Swiatek is on 7,993.
After claiming victory at the Cincinnati Open, the US Open’s curtain-raiser, Swiatek is back up to second.
And there is no question that it is the 24-year-old who arrives at Flushing Meadows in the better form, having thrashed American Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in a historic final.
Ahead of the US Open getting underway and winning in Cincinnati, she has been speaking about being the world’s no.1.
She said: “I don’t think about it, because I know Aryna is having a great season too, so I know it will just depend on how I play.
“And honestly, this season hasn’t been easy, and I’ve had a lot of other things to worry about and a lot of other things to improve on, so I’m not thinking about it at all.”
What is next for Swiatek?
After defeat at the French Open to Sabalenka, she looked miles off competing for the big honours.
But her performance at Wimbledon to win the competition for the first time was incredible, and she has followed that up in the States.
Speaking after her win, she said: “It’s a fantastic feeling. I have to say, last year I came here after the Olympics, so I literally considered this tournament as a kind of transition before the US Open.
“But yes, two years ago and this year, I really wanted it, and that’s why I’m happy, and it’s nice to tick another tournament off the list that I hadn’t won. It’s a great motivation to keep going.
And attention now switches to the US Open: “The ball is the same, but the courts…If I remember correctly, I think this year here in Cincinnati the courts were a bit similar to the ones we had last year at the US Open, but they’re slowing down the courts every year, so I’m not sure what they’re like now in New York.
“I’ll have to answer that question at the US Open after some practice and playing on one of the main courts. Tennis is all about adaptation. I’ve faced many different situations before, and I’ve always managed to be ready for the first match and adapt. So I hope that will be the case this time too.”
After her recent performances, she will start as one of the clear favourites.
Swiatek claimed victory in New York in 2022, but she will face stern competition from Coco Gauff and Sabalenka.