Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

'I keep having a target on my back, because I’m No. 1,' Iga Swiatek proud of improving on her game and winning more titles

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gerard Crispin | Last updated 5/25/24

Iga Swiatek has been at the top of her game since her shocking early exit at the Australian Open in January. She has improved on several aspects of her game that have helped her win back-to-back clay tournaments. Ahead of the Roland Garros, the Polish star has revealed that she’s proud of her accomplishments.

Swiatek’s first title came in Abu Dhabi in February following her win over Elena Rybakina. She continued her fine form at the Indian Wells Masters winning the title. Though she began her clay season losing the Stuttgart title despite being the favorite to claim it, she bounced back in Madrid.

She defeated her rival Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Madrid title after playing for over 3 hours and 15 minutes. She repeated the same feat in Rome beating Sabalenka again to claim her third Masters 1000 title of the season. Ahead of the French Open, she is deemed the favorite to win her fourth Roland Garros title.

When asked if her 2022 season in which she won the French Open and US Open is better than 2024, the 22-year-old admitted that she’s proud of her game now and is on the right path to more titles this season.

Now it's different. Now they are prepared, and I feel like I keep having a target on my back, because I'm No. 1. So I think actually I'm more proud of what's happening right now and winning all these titles this year already has shown that we are going on the right path.” I'm more happy with my results now, I would say. Iga Swiatek said via Roland Garros press

Meanwhile, Swiatek was among the early arrivals at the Roland Garros despite just winning the Italian Open a few days ago. She will be facing French Leolia Jeanjean in the first round of the French Open.

Iga Swiatek to face tricky opponents at the Roland Garros, Naomi Osaka in the second round

Iga Swiatek has been drawn to probably face former World No.1 Naomi Osaka in the second round of the French Open. The Polish star will play with Leolia Jeanjean on Monday with hopes that Osaka wins her first-round match before their eventual second-round meeting.

On the other hand, Naomi Osaka was expecting a good start before meeting a tough opponent like Swiatek. The Japanese had reached the round of 16 of the Italian Open before losing to Chinese Qinwen Zheng.

The winner between Osaka and Swiatek will likely face Veronika Kudermetova in the third round. Then, Barbora Krejcikova/Ekaterina Alexandrova in the fourth round ahead of a quarterfinals slot. Despite Iga Swiatek having a tricky draw, she remains the favorite to win all her matches.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: