As Iga Świątek prepares to take to the courts in Seoul, she is driven by more than just competition—she’s fueled by an urgent desire to reclaim momentum and make up for lost time in what has been a fluctuating season. The Polish star, who shot to global prominence with her stunning 2020 French Open win as a teenager, remains firmly focused on rising up the ranks again in time for the prestigious WTA Finals set to take place in Saudi Arabia this November. Her dedication to regaining peak form and consistency is clear as she readies herself to battle through the remaining tournaments of the year.

Świątek’s 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of remarkable highs and frustrating setbacks. The Polish phenomenon dazzled the tennis world with a commanding performance in the Wimbledon final, where she outplayed Elena Rybakina in what many hailed as a near-flawless demonstration of tactical mastery, combining aggressive baseline play, precise serving, and exceptional court coverage. This victory was even more impressive considering Wimbledon’s unique grass surface, which historically presents challenges to baseline players accustomed to clay or hard courts. Świątek’s ability to adapt her game spoke volumes about her versatility—a trait often compared to tennis legends such as Martina Navratilova, who redefined her game on all surfaces.

Despite that glittering success, Świątek faced a tougher challenge at the US Open, where she was ousted in the quarterfinals due to a questionable tactical approach. The defeat sparked debate among pundits and analysts about her strategic decisions during critical moments, highlighting the pressure that comes with being one of tennis’s brightest stars. Yet, such setbacks have not derailed her resolve. History shows Świątek’s resilience: since her breakthrough, she has frequently managed to rebound from disappointments stronger than before, embodying the relentless spirit and mental toughness often linked to great champions such as Steffi Graf and Serena Williams.

Świątek’s coach, Wim Fissette, offers insightful perspective into her progression this year. Fissette, a respected tactician who has worked with numerous top players including Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka, revealed that he considers Świątek’s 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova in Cincinnati one of her most dominant performances—not the Wimbledon final, as widely believed. The Cincinnati showing epitomized Świątek’s peak physical fitness and aggressive baseline control, underscoring the evolution of her game from a predominantly clay-court specialist to a formidable all-court player. This growth is reminiscent of other legends who transcended their preferred surfaces, such as Roger Federer, who famously refined his skills on grass and hard courts after early clay-court successes.

Speaking of comparisons, the 2023 US Open also witnessed a spectacular showdown between emerging stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—two young players seen as the future of men’s tennis. Alcaraz’s coach described their match as a “perfect execution” of strategy and skill, a phrase that Świątek’s camp would likely embrace when reflecting on their own tactical excellence at Wimbledon. These rising stars underscore a generational shift in tennis, with Świątek among the women leading the charge, blending youthful exuberance with refined technique.

Behind the scenes, speculation about Świątek’s fitness has been rife, especially following brief injury concerns earlier in the season. However, her readiness to compete in Seoul reflects successful injury management and meticulous physical preparation, traits that have become increasingly important in the modern game given the demanding schedule and physical toll on players. In fact, Świątek’s focus on conditioning and injury prevention echoes approaches taken by past champions whose longevity defined their careers—players like Chris Evert and Justine Henin, noted for their commitment to fitness.

As the year progresses toward its climax, Świątek’s goals are clear: to reclaim her dominant form and cement her place among the elite by securing important titles and earning a spot in the WTA Finals—the tournament that gathers the season’s top players. Whether this quest culminates in a title-winning streak in Seoul or beyond remains to be seen. Yet one thing is certain: whenever Iga Świątek steps on court, she brings a level of intensity, passion, and tactical intelligence that captivates tennis fans and promises thrilling tennis. Her journey continues to be not only a testament to her extraordinary talent but also a fascinating story of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness in an ever-evolving sport.