World number three Iga Świątek has openly expressed her desire for more competitive matches as she fine-tunes her game for the upcoming Roland Garros. The Polish tennis star believes increased match play is crucial for building the necessary form and confidence for the Grand Slam.
Świątek's comments came after her second-round victory at the Rome Masters, a WTA 1000 event, where she defeated American Katie McNally. The win provided her with another valuable opportunity to compete on court.
"I definitely wanted to play more matches. I feel like that's what I'm missing. I want to compete more," Świątek stated, as reported by Punto de Break. She elaborated on the specific challenge, noting that during matches, it becomes apparent she lacks rhythm in crucial points.
The three-time French Open champion emphasized that she needs more matches to acquire confidence in various on-court situations. This self-assessment highlights her proactive approach to preparation, identifying a clear area for improvement ahead of the clay-court major.
Her victory in Rome, while a positive step, underscores the broader theme of her current phase: seeking volume and quality of competition. For a player of Świątek's caliber, fine-tuning through match play is often the final piece of the puzzle before a major tournament.
The admission from the top player offers insight into the meticulous preparation required at the highest level. Even for a dominant force on clay, the rhythm and instinct honed through competitive matches are irreplaceable assets.
Świątek will look to capitalize on every opportunity in Rome and any subsequent events to ensure she arrives at Roland Garros with the competitive sharpness she feels is currently lacking. Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.