Iga Świątek, after winning the final of the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, California, became the runner-up in the world ranking of tennis players. In the final match, Świątek defeated Greek Maria Sakkari 6: 4, 6: 1. “Now being the first tennis player in the world seems more real”, said the Polish woman after the victory.

The final in Indian Wells was the eleventh game this season and the eleventh victory of the 20-year-old tennis player from Raszyn. The game was played in strong winds, which did not help either Świątek or Sakkari.

Świątek, who won the first set 6: 4, adapted to the situation faster. In the second set, the Polish tennis player performed equally wisely and consistently and won it 6: 1. All this brought a victory in Świątek’s fifth WTA tournament in her career and a substantial sum of 1.2 million dollars.

“I can’t describe everything I feel because so much has happened. For the last few days, I have been very stressed and I’m glad that I was able to deal with this stress. I am also happy with the support because I think that without my team my match would not have gone so smoothly – said Świątek.

The victory in Indian Wells meant that on Monday Świątek equalled the best achievement in Agnieszka Radwańska’s career and currently is the second tennis player in the world. Radwańska from Krakow achieved this position in July 2012 at the age of 23. Swiatek is three years younger.

“Talking of winning the first place, the road to achieving it is long and there is undoubtedly a lot of work ahead. Ash Barty is mentally strong. She got used to the first place, so we are now starting from different positions. But the last few weeks have convinced me that a lot is possible if you believe in yourself, so I will believe in myself”, emphasized Świątek.

Now the Polish tennis player is flying to Miami, where the next Masters 1000 tournament will start this weekend. Also, she wants to rest a bit and celebrate her victory.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński