The Asian swing has given Iga Swiatek just what she needed at the end of the season. She found her form and won her 16th career title at Beijing. Swiatek has now had five titles in two consecutive years, and the fans were rejoicing in the victory. The China Open champion also tried for a special request during the prize ceremony. But Swiatek’s signal could not be decoded by the fans and her team.
The Polish player was signaling to her team to bring a special jacket during the presentation. She imitated wearing a jacket and showing the number 16 with her fingers. But it was not understood by the audience and her team. “I guess we’re playing charades now. Guess what Iga Swiatek’s trying to say,” commented one fan after watching the player fail to convey the message to the team.
I guess we’re playing charades now. 😭 Guess what @iga_swiatek’s trying to say. 😭 pic.twitter.com/dhxJHmoT3G
— Marianne (@tsitsiatek) October 8, 2023
The victory at Beijing makes Swiatek the first player on the tour to win 6 or more WTA 1000 titles before the age of 23. The 22-year-old has now played 74 matches this season and has won 63 of them. Swiatek had suffered an early loss at the Japan Open and now has regained her confidence. She beat Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 6-2 in the final at Beijing.
Iga Swiatek announces her return with Beijing trophy
Champions always rise, no matter what. That is what Swiatek proved in Beijing after winning the China Open. The four-time grand slam champion did not commit a single unforced error in the final against Samsonova. The Russian has only taken a single set in three matches against Swiatek. It was the first time that Swiatek was playing at the China Open, and now will be an important event for her.
The former world No.1 had lost early at the US Open, which made her slip from the top spot in the rankings. Swiatek lost in her second match after the return to Japan, which angered the fans. There were doubts over her comeback. It has been an emotional journey for the world No.2 as she was in tears after winning the final point. Swiatek waved to the crowd and went on to hug her team in the stands.
Iga Swiatek is in tears as she wins her 6th WTA 1000 title
She immediately walks over to her team to give them a hug. 🥹
Whoever says this season hasn’t been a success simply doesn’t know anything about how difficult it is to win titles like this.
Absolutely sensational. 🇵🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/COPf3nSkXu
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 8, 2023
The three-time French Open winner is playing with a newly set attitude on the court. Swiatek said that she is now focused on playing events and not thinking about rankings. The last time she won a title was in July in Warsaw. It was also the first WTA 1000 title for Swiatek this season. We will be seeing the champion again in two weeks with her newly changed perspective.