Former winner Swiatek still can’t find her NY comfort zone

2022 US Open winner Iga Swiatek admits that even after lifting the title at Flushing Meadows, she’s not really at home amid the chaos of the loudest and most out-of-control Grand Slam.

Rowdy New York crowds, matches that can stretch well beyond midnight go well beyond midnight and the consonant pressure of city life can all take their toll on the quiet Pole who has won four of her five Grand Slams in the more civilised surrounds of leafy, green Roland Garros.

“In 2022, for sure, that was the Grand Slam that I was least chilled at,” Swiatek said on Friday. “Even though I won, I didn’t feel comfortable on the court at all. 

“I didn’t feel like I could play my game naturally.”

The world No. 1 said nothing has really changed since then and for that reason is keeping expectations in check.

“US Open 2022 actually taught me that I can win even though I’m not feeling 100 per cent. 

“I wouldn’t say now I’m relaxed, because it’s impossible to be relaxed in New York, especially, you know, with everything that’s going on around.

“It’s pretty loud here and you have so many activities off the court, you need to balance it wisely. Practice is always going to be a priority, but you have so many things to also think about.”

She added: “I wouldn’t say I’m relaxed, but for sure I’m trying to learn from past experiences. I’m maybe a little bit smarter and hopefully I’m going to be able to use that.(discomfort).”

Swiatek said that she sometimes tries breathing exercises to take the edge off of the inevitable stress the venue provokes.

“It’s important on the court to breathe in a particular way. I try to use it as kind of a meditation thing, but obviously you’re not going to meditate on the court. 

“But focusing on your breath, just makes me calmer and makes me busy — I’m not going to think about some other stuff that may cause that I’m distracted.”