Wuhan, 13 October (H.S.): Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek is at risk of missing the WTA Finals this year for the first time since 2020. However, the former world No. 1 has vowed to finish the season strongly and improve her chances of qualifying for the prestigious season-ending tournament.

The six-time Grand Slam champion has won just one title this year, at the Canadian Open in August. She also failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals at any of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Swiatek won the WTA Finals in 2023 and has competed in every edition since 2021.

Swiatek is currently ranked 10th in the WTA Finals qualification standings for the tournament, scheduled to take place from November 8 to 15. With eight players eligible to compete, four qualification places remain unfilled. Swiatek has accumulated 3,799 points, leaving her 111 points behind Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, who occupies ninth place. Meanwhile, Karolina Muchova, currently the lowest-ranked player among those yet to qualify, has 4,615 points.

Swiatek Views Qualification Battle as a Positive Challenge

Speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of the Wuhan Open, Swiatek acknowledged that she was aware of her position in the qualification race and stressed that securing a place at the WTA Finals remained a priority.

“I am aware of the situation, and it would certainly be great to qualify for the WTA Finals. That is our goal as well. This is the first time I have found myself in this kind of situation when it comes to qualifying for the Finals,” she said.

Swiatek added that she viewed the challenge positively and remained highly motivated, noting that several tournaments were still left to play this season.

“It is a challenge, but I think it is a positive one, and I am very motivated by it. There are still a few tournaments remaining,” she said.

New Coach Brings Hope for Improvement

Swiatek also discussed the changes she has been making to her game under new coach Francisco Roig, whom she appointed in April after parting ways with Wim Fissette.

According to Swiatek, their practice sessions have shown encouraging signs of progress, with Roig bringing a clear strategy for improving her performance.

“I needed to make some changes to my game, and Francisco has a very good plan for it. I think we are developing my game considerably during practice, and we have made good progress,” she said.

The Polish star identified the period around the US Open as one of the most positive phases of her season, adding that the progress had strengthened her belief that she was moving in the right direction.

Wuhan Open Offers Crucial Opportunity

Swiatek is scheduled to face compatriot Magdalena Fręch in her opening match at the Wuhan Open on Wednesday. She is also expected to compete in the WTA 500 tournaments in Ningbo and Tokyo later this month.

Strong performances in these events could prove crucial to keeping her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals alive. With the season approaching its conclusion, Swiatek will be looking to regain consistency and secure enough ranking points to maintain her place among the world's leading players.

For the six-time Grand Slam champion, the coming tournaments represent an important opportunity to end the season on a high note and extend her record of consecutive appearances at the WTA Finals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar