The WTA Finals have finally come to an end after an intense week of tennis in Cancun, Mexico. Polish star Iga Swiatek is the new year-end champion. Swiatek has been playing phenomenally well, and her efforts have finally paid off.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has had a remarkable season. Swiatek ratcheted up wins along the way and has also regained the number one rank. Aryna Sabalenka had dethroned Swiatek after her run at the US Open, but Iga has reclaimed the top spot once again.
Swiatek took on Jessica Pegula to play for the ultimate prize and defeated her 6-1, 6-0 in straight sets. The Pole was emphatic in her victory against Pegula. It was an emotional affair for Swiatek, who ran to her team in the stands and clasped their hands. Although no words were exchanged, they understood what Iga was trying to convey.
Iga Swiatek had an emotional moment with her team after she won the WTA Finals & reclaimed the #1 ranking.
She walks over to her team & they clasp hands for a moment.
Not many words needed. They understand each other.
What a special player. 🥹
So deserved. 🇵🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/rL2F23gVDH
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 6, 2023
This is Iga’s first WTA Finals trophy. It was a memorable tournament for Swiatek, as she stormed her way through to the title without dropping a single set.
The new world number one has won six titles this season, including her fourth major Grand Slam at the French Open. It was not an easy year for Iga by any means, but she persevered and is now reaping her rewards. During the presentation ceremony, she thanked her team, who stood by her during her difficult time.
Iga Swiatek thanks her family & team after winning WTA Finals & reclaiming world #1 ranking:
“I want to thank my family and team. My dad is here… Thanks for coming & supporting. Everyone at home. The team that’s been with me the whole season. We had many ups and downs. This is… pic.twitter.com/2dY0F7H4Hc
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 6, 2023
Iga Swiatek has been exceptional towards the end of the season. She will cap off the year with wins in China and her first WTA Finals trophy.
Iga Swiatek to begin her second stint as the world number one
The Pole will end the year as the world number one for the second consecutive year. Sabalenka had displaced her by outlasting Swiatek at the US Open in September. However, Swiatek has dethroned her longtime rival from the top spot.
Sabalenka had expressed her wish to play against Swiatek for the top spot during the US Open. Her wish came true in Cancun, but Swiatek defeated Sabalenka. It was not the result the Belarussian player would have wanted, but Iga was an unstoppable force. Sabalenka lost in straight sets.
Iga Swiatek defeats world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. 👊 pic.twitter.com/lgE3Flq0tu
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) November 6, 2023
Iga has now joined the likes of Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis in spending 76 consecutive weeks at the top of the WTA rankings. She became only the third WTA player to reach this milestone in their first stint. Following her victory over Pegula in the WTA Finals, Swiatek will begin her second stint as the top-ranked player.