By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday October 17, 2022
Iga Swiatek captured her 8th title of 2022 in San Diego last weekend to earn player of the week honors.
Photo Source: Tecnifibre
Each week, in conjunction with our friends at Tennis Express, we bring you two players – one from the WTA Tour and one from the ATP Tour – whose star shined brighter than any other.
They don’t necessarily have to raise a trophy, but they do need to exhibit the qualities that we love to see on court – competitiveness, artistry, defiance, passion, commitment and, of course, a winning attitude.
Read on for more about this week’s selection, Poland’s Iga Swiatek:
First, a bit about Iga Swiatek's gear...
Iga Swaitek plays Tecnifibre racquets... (click here for more)
Iga Swiatek sports Asics shoes apparel... (click here for more)
Iga Swiatek has been on a mission ever since the 2022 season kicked off and the 21-year-old sensation from Poland continues to shine as the WTA season heads into its final weeks.
Last week she captured the title at the San Diego Open, defeating Donna Vekic in a thrilling three-set final to earn her eighth title of the season.
Swiatek, who has compiled a remarkable 64-8 record on the season, has held the World No.1 ranking since April 4, and she shows no signs of giving it back. Already a three-time Grand Slam winner, the Pole will next play at the WTA Finals in Forth Worth, Texas, which begin on October 31.
Swiatek had to fight through adversity to earn the title in San Diego. She defeated two Top-10 players – Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula – and was forced to a third set on three occasions.
Want some stats to explain just how good Swiatek was, and has been?
We’ve got them for you:
-
Swiatek improved to 16-4 on the season in three-set matches.
-
Swiatek won two 6-0 sets in San Diego – she has now handed out 21 bagel sets in 2022.
-
Swiatek has now won 11 consecutive matches against the Top-10.
-
Swiatek has eight titles in 2022, and 11 for her career – so impressive for a 21-year-old!
-
Swiatek is 24-1 when playing in the United States this season.
With the retirement of Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty in 2022, the WTA Tour has been looking for new leadership. Full credit to Iga Swiatek, who has answered the bell and raised the bar for her peers on tour while engaging the public and demonstrating sublime tennis, athleticism and mental toughness.
Be sure to check out Swiatek’s gear, and trusty Tecnifibre frame, at Tennis Express, and don’t forget to watch her when the WTA’s elite 8 take the court in Texas in two weeks!