Iga Swiatek reaches another milestone in her young career, ties Justine Henin for 8th-most weeks as World No. 1 in WTA history
Iga Swiatek recently added a new feather in her cap as she tied with Justine Henin in 8th position for completing the most weeks as the World No. 1. She attained the top spot on April 4, 2022.
Swiatek took the baton of being the WTA World No. 1 from Australia's Ashleigh Barty. She became the first player from Poland to capture the No. 1 position in singles and also the 28th woman overall to attain the No. 1 ranking. Swiatek ascended to the top by beating Viktorija Golubic in the second round of the Miami Open.
The 23-year-old is still at the top and has gained another milestone by starting her 117th week as the World No. 1. The first position is claimed by Steffi Graf, who spent 377 weeks at the top.
The Tennis Letter shared Swiatek's achievement on X and also mentioned the top 10 players to spend the most weeks as the WTA World No. 1. It wrote:
"Iga Swiatek starts her 117th week as the world #1. She ties Justine Henin for 8th most weeks of all-time in WTA history."
They further wrote:
"Carving out incredible history at 23 years old."
Iga Swiatek comments on the busy schedule of tennis players
Iga Swiatek recently made a statement about the busy schedule of tennis players after she reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open 2024. She beat Mirra Andreeva, and following this, she opined about the hectic schedule of players at the post-match interview.
She said that the busy schedule and too many tournaments are making it less fun for the players.
what can I say I've been kind of an advocate, saying that well, we shouldn't be pushing and pushing for us to play more," Swiatek said. "Obviously, it's not our decision, but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It's not gonna end well as it's just it makes tennis less fun for us. Let's just say, I mean, obviously, I love playing all these places but it's pretty exhausting."
She added:
"I think most of the players could tell you that. Especially when you're playing at the high level and, you know, going to high ranking tournaments. I don't think it should be like that. We deserve to rest a little bit more obviously maybe. People are going to hate me for that because it sounded weird that I'm asking for rest. It doesn't make sense, but the truth is that you have got to keep up with the tour."
Iga Swiatek's journey at the Cincinnati 2024 Open ended in the semifinals after she got bested by Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3.