The WTA Finals is set to begin as players get ready to leave it all on the court. This season will see a first-time winner of the event. Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are the favorites to lift the title. Both players have had an outstanding season so far. The rankings race will also come to an end in a week in Cancun, Mexico. Sabalenka will begin the fireworks in singles.
Swiatek will start her campaign on 30th October. The Polish player feels she has had a good season even though she lost the top spot in the rankings. She said, “Sometimes I felt like it’s just kind of ridiculous because people got used to me winning. It’s not like it’s going to happen all the time.” Swiatek mentioned that she is not going to let expectations weigh her down.
Iga Swiatek says people got used to her winning, but it won’t happen all the time:
“Sometimes I felt like it’s just kind of ridiculous because people got used to me winning. It’s not like it’s going to happen all the time. So I think this season was kind of more normal, I would… pic.twitter.com/888UyQimEz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 28, 2023
Along with Swiatek, Sabalenka feels that nothing has really changed. She said, “It’s no different, to be honest. I think the ranking is just that, a ranking. Nothing is changing, I still have to work hard, I still have to bring my best tennis on the field.”
The Belarusian went on to say that she is working hard to bring her best to the court. Sabalenka realizes the pressure of being the best player in the world, and all eyes will be on her during the event. The world No.1 will play against Maria Sakkari in her opening match.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek expected to top from respective groups at Cancun
The groups have been decided at the WTA Finals. While Sabalenka is in the Bacalar Group, Swiatek is in the Chetumal group. The top two players from each group will enter the semifinals, which will be knockout matches. The Bacalar group has two grand slam champions, while Chetumal looks more competitive with three grand slam champions.
Swiatek has played at least two or more matches with her opponents in her group. Meanwhile, Sabalenka has at least four victories over each opponent in her group. Swiatek will play her first match against Marketa Vondrousova and is yet to drop a set in their first two career meetings. Vondrousova lost to the world No.2 in the quarterfinals at Cincinnati.
The groups are SET 🔒
What do you make of the 2023 GNP Seguros #WTAFinals draw? 👇 pic.twitter.com/7cmv7vjVXL
— wta (@WTA) October 28, 2023
The 2023 Australian Open champion looks to top the group along with Elena Rybakina. On the other hand, Swiatek will aim to finish on top, along with Coco Gauff or Ons Jabeur. There will be upsets in the event, but the rankings will only be affected if Sabalenka loses early and Swiatek captures the title. There are chances of the pair meeting in the semifinals if things go according to the usual plan.