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'I’m not thinking about statistics or history,' Iga Swiatek speaks about her winning mindset after getting past Coco Gauff in straight sets at Italian Open

Iga Swiatek made quick work of rival Coco Gauff in the semifinal of the Italian Open today. The World No.1 triumphed 6-4, 6-3 over the 20-year-old American number one, and is looking to win her second consecutive WTA 1000 title. She now leads 10-1 in the head-to-head matchup against Gauff.

Earlier this week, Swiatek defeated experienced Angelique Kerber, breaking the record for the highest-ever win percentage (88.4%) in WTA 1000 clay court events. This is one of the many records she has shattered at just 22 years of age.

Post her semifinal victory, Swiatek was asked if chasing records and creating history are some things that provide her with extra motivation to push herself on the court. She responded by saying she prefers not thinking about statistics and implying that this helps her stay relaxed and play her best tennis.

Honestly I’m not really thinking about that because it’s kind of a lot. I’m just living my life day by day. I’m. not thinking about statistics or history. I think it’s easier that way. It makes you play more relaxed and more freely. Iga Swiatek said in on-court interview

Swiatek also holds other peculiar records like having the highest percentage of sets won with a 6-0 scoreline in WTA 1000 events, showing just how dominant she has been since her breakthrough season in 2020.

For the first time since 2013, WTA witnesses a scenario that hasn’t occurred in over a decade

Women’s tennis has always been known for how close the levels between the players are, with the exception of the elites like Serena Williams. So many underdogs have triumphed over the world’s best, and seedings did not seem to matter, until now.

The sport is witnessing a brewing rivalry between the four best players, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina. These four have remained impressively consistent throughout the last couple of seasons and are bringing more excitement to women’s tennis through their matches.

At the Italian Open, the top three players – Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Gauff – made it to the semifinals, a scenario that hadn’t occurred at any WTA event since 2013, when Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka had reached the French Open semifinals.

This may come as a shock to many, as so many incredible players have been ranked inside the top three in the world. This proves just how close the competition has been for a good part of the last decade.

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

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