It was the best year of Iga Swiatek’s career so far. In 12 months she has won as many as eight tournaments, including two Grand Slams (Roland Garros and US Open). She achieved a historic record of 37 victories in a row – the best in the 21st century. On top of that, she has been the leader of the WTA ranking for more than 30 weeks.
Despite her young age, Iga Swiatek is already the best player in Polish tennis history. That is why Sport.pl wants to recognize her achievements. Starting this year – groundbreaking one in her career – we will host "The Best of Iga" plebiscite. We want to recap her greatest achievements in a given season.
We have chosen four categories to best highlight Iga Swiatek’s successes. These are as follows: her best match, the greatest achievement, the best quote, and her fiercest rival. Elite experts will aid in picking the winners of each category. Those experts deal with tennis on a daily basis – together they represent years of experience in commenting, discussing, and writing about the sport. There are 15 jurors together.
Our experts come from Poland as well as from all other parts of the world. Today, Iga Swiatek is not only the best tennis player in the WTA ranking but also, next to Robert Lewandowski, the biggest sports ambassador of Poland. This fact deserves recognition from foreign media.
We are aware of that not every season can be as spectacular as 2022 was for Iga. That being said, we believe – following the opinions of experts and her close associates – that her potential is not yet fully realised. The Pole already is one of the tennis superstars. It is possible that in a few years she will be among the tennis legends. Together with our readers, we want to share in Iga Swiatek's success. This plebiscite, the only one of its kind in foreign or domestic media, is not only a form of entertainment but also a kind of appreciation of her achievements.
Best match: Iga Swiatek vs Ons Jabeur in the US Open final.
Greatest achievement: 37 wins in a row
Best quote: "I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." – after winning the Roland Garros.
Fiercest rival: Caroline Garcia
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
While the final against Barbora [Krejcikova] was the highest quality, in my opinion, I’ll vote for the US Open decider given the significance of the victory.
Her results across the board indicated she was a likely major winner on hard court, but until someone delivers in a Grand Slam on the surface, there is always a question there. Even when not at her best, she was still able to find a way to win in New York and it is a title well deserved.
37 wins in a row
The 37-match winning streak – I’m voting for this in part because it includes a major title among the six tournaments she claimed during this swing, but it was significant also to claim Premier events at Indian Wells, in Miami and also in Rome. And that she was able to manage the pressure that comes with being elevated to the top ranking overnight in Miami without missing a beat adds to that effort.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
As for me, the timing and delivery of her quote on the invasion of Ukraine while on the podium at Roland Garros was the most important. It showed she was willing to use her status as the world’s best player to speak on important issues. To have the poise to do so moments after such a triumph is a credit to her.
Ash Barty, Aryna Sabalenka
Ash Barty did knock her off in straight sets in Adelaide. But among active players, I would argue Aryna Sabalenka showed what she is capable of when on song in the WTA Finals in Texas. I suspect Iga was fatigued, but it demonstrates that as brilliant as she is, there are rivals capable of toppling her when she is not at her peak.
Against Coco Gauff in the Roland Garros final
I think the French Open final vs Gauff was her best match because of how dominant she was when it was the first time she reached a Grand Slam final as a favourite and not as an underdog, and against a player younger than she was - even if she is also still so young - and she handled that pressure so well. It was also in the midst of her match winning streak and it was just a really confident and mature performance, and of course winning a Grand Slam as a result makes it even better!
Winning the US Open
I think her US Open win was her most impressive one because she had suffered some early and disappointing losses at her last few tournaments in the lead-up like Wimbledon, Canada, Cincinnati. And she was also not shy about her issue with the tennis balls women must have used in New York! Yet she managed to turn all of that around and to win her first Grand Slam title other than on the clay.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
I think her Ukraine quote was the best one because it’s been so amazing to see someone at the top of their sport – especially someone so young – who consistently continue to speak out about such an important issue, especially with that being her key focus after winning her second Grand Slam title.
Ons Jabeur
And I think Jabeur was her most dangerous opponent even if she didn’t get a win this season because she stormed up to No 2 and kept trying to beat Iga, has had No 1 ranking in her sights and has also been the second-biggest threat on the tour behind Iga this year, in my opinion!
Against Coco Gauff in the Roland Garros final
I think the Roland Garros final against Gauff was the pinnacle of her great performance throughout the whole clay-court season, so I will choose this one.
Winning the US Open
Aside all the superlative numbers Iga has had through this year, i think the US Open title was her biggest achievement. She started the US Open Series having a lot of doubts about the conditions and especially about the tournament balls, used in New York and during the warm-up tournaments.
When she lost to Beatriz Haddad Maia in Toronto, she said during the press conference that Bia served well and played better on windy conditions, while she was struggling to find her rhythm and even had to switch her racket's string. One week later, in Cincinnati, she even asked to play with men's tournament balls which suit more to her game. Throughout these two weeks in New York, she made some adjustments in her game, got more confident, had two big comebacks against Niemeier and Sabalenka, and ended up the tournament with her 3rd Grand Slam title.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
The one about the Ukraine, especially because it was said on her trophy-ceremony speech at Roland Garros. It was a very special final for her and for Coco, both being young players vocal on different social causes. Iga is also very active on mental health issues, while Coco has strong words against the racism and political violence in the US.
Caroline Garcia
Caroline is the only player able to beat her on clay this year, in Warsaw. The Frenchwoman had a great season with four titles and showed a more aggressive game-style, especially after she came back after foot injury. It's a very dangerous opponent, one of the best servers on tour, and capable of making a lot of winners.
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
Perhaps not the best in terms of quality, but in terms of importance it was definitely huge to win a Slam outside Roland Garros.
Winning the Roland Garros
Winning the RG, though not the trophy itself but the way she has won it. Lost only one set, and nobody stood a chance, she was so dominant.
"Well, we have this huge gala that happens every year in Poland. Two years ago, I made it to the second place. Lewandowski was first. This year I'm pretty curious what's gonna happen! "- during the WTA Finals.
The Lewandowski quote, as it encapsulates often entertaining quotes she gives.
Ons Jabeur
I am not sure about her most dangerous opponent, it is very unpredictable, but I would say Ons.
Against Barbora Krejcikova in the Ostrava tournament final
I think it was in general the best WTA match of the year. Quality, emotions, winners… everything was there. It was by far the best match I've commented in this 2022.
37 wins in a row
It has often been said that in the women's circuit there is no continuity of results. Swiatek did exactly the opposite by proving her consistency. The Pole has recorded one of the best winning streaks ever which rightfully places her in the tennis elite.
"When I started crying during that last game, it wasn't very professional of me, but I cried from happiness, because basically, all my dreams came true at that moment, regardless of whether I win or lose." - after the final in Ostrava.
I believe that in this sentence Iga showed her humanity. An unbeatable player for long stretches of the season who turns out to be human. It's a nice message for those who think tennis players are robots. It is not so.
Caroline Garcia
It’s not simple. I mean, Iga hasn't lost more than one match to the same opponent this year. As for the style of game, I think Garcia is the player who bothered her the most, among other things, in her hometown of Warsaw. Krejcikova also deserves a mention for her outstanding performance in Ostrava, even if it was a close match.
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
For the best match, I'd pick the US Open final vs Jabeur. There was a lot of heat on her, given the amazing winning streak, and she was able to handle all that pressure, displaying an impressive tennis level.
Leading the WTA ranking for more than 30 weeks
As to the biggest achievement, I'd say leading the WTA ranking for over 30 weeks was the one. I know that the 37-match winning streak is so difficult to hit, but leading the ranking and being world #1 is one of the most prestigious things a tennis player can achieve.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
A world #1 taking the role of the ambassador of our sport, supporting a country and people suffering a situation that most of us cannot even imagine how atrocious it is. Great role model for a great sport like tennis.
Barbora Krejcikova
As for me, her most dangerous rival is Barbora Krejcikova. She's gone through some physical issues in 2022 but she's shown what she's able to do on court playing at an amazing level not only in doubles.
Against Coco Gauff in the Roland Garros final
During the two weeks of the tournament, Iga demonstrated her ability to disengage from any pressure and prevailed with great class, making clear her total superiority.
37 wins in a row
Winning Grand Slams is what marks the path of great champions but getting that streak was a sample of the consistency of her game and her winning mentality.
"I was born to win trophies." - after winning the tournament in Miami.
Just Iga being Iga.
Caroline Garcia
For the consistency of her game and the ability to adapt to the speed that Iga always proposes.
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
This match is Iga’s best match because it was the two best players in the world tour fighting a battle on Jabeur’s preferred surface. After such an exhausting year it would be easy for Iga to have been outfought in this final. However, Swiatek made an aggressive start to the match and was extremely good in the pressure moments, and was a true reflection of why she is the best player in the world right now.
37 wins in a row
This is Iga’s biggest achievement because it isn’t easy to win 37 matches in a row on three different surfaces. Very few people have done it, and especially since Ash Barty’s retirement it would be easy for Iga to feel the pressure of being the best player on the tour. However, Swiatek continued to improve and mentally was so strong, and in this moment she proved why she had all the qualities to be a future legend of this sport.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
This is the best quote because it shows Iga’s leadership to talk about global issues. Iga has been a big advocate for mental health issues and for helping people around the world as well as creating initiatives to take action over these topics. Being world number one is a big responsibility not only on the court but also off the court, and for Swiatek talking about bigger issues in the world straight after winning a Grand Slam shows why she is a perfect player to be world number one and leader of the WTA tour.
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka is the type of player that can take control out of Iga’s hands. The matches at the US Open and WTA Finals showed this and if Sabalenka was mentally stronger, Swiatek may not have won the US Open. This is a challenge that Swiatek will look to figure out in the off-season but whenever those two players face each other then it’s always a big battle.
Against Barbora Krejcikova in the Ostrava tournament final
I think the biggest match is the one in Ostrava. I am not sure if this also applies to Iga's level, but overall the match in Ostrava had the highest level of sportsmanship. And the atmosphere was also the greatest.
37 wins in a row
I choose the streak of 37 winning duels as the greatest success, because it includes successful tournaments in America and Roland Garros.
"Well, we have this huge gala that happens every year in Poland. Two years ago, I made it to the second place. Lewandowski was first. This year I'm pretty curious what's gonna happen! " - during the WTA Finals.
I liked the quote about Lewandowski.
Barbora Krejcikova
For Iga, Sabalenka is the most dangerous, as is Garcia, because they don't give time for Iga to dictate what happens on the court. But their game has a lot of risk. That's why I choose Krejcikova, who plays a mix of shots and is dangerous in the long run.
Against Coco Gauff in the Roland Garros final
There are a lot of expectation about how Iga could manage the pressure of being favorite. Coco had a great confidence, but there is no option for her. Perfect tennis of a women born to play on clay.
37 wins in a row
From my point of view, this an incredible achievement in a tour like WTA nowadays, where any women between top-100 can beat anyone. The most regular tennis player I can imagine because her tennis was unapproachable and the sense of superiority was very powerful.
"When I started crying during that last game, it wasn't very professional of me, but I cried from happiness, because basically, all my dreams came true at that moment, regardless of whether I win or lose." - after the final in Ostrava.
This sentence summarize very well the kind and cute personality of a very good girl who turned into a wild competitor at the tennis court. The secret of her success is enjoying with the process and not focusing only on results.
Ons Jabeur
I know that Iga has been the winner in their two matches this year, but I consider Jabeur the only women who can sustain a long-term battle with Swiatek in the next years. Her tennis style, the variety of effects and changes of speed, could get Swiatek out of her consistency if Ons has plenty of confidence.
Against Caroline Garcia in the WTA Finals group stage
The match against Garcia in Fort Worth was perfectly played in terms of tactics. The consistency with which Iga executed her plan was impressive. And the look on coach Tomek Wiktorowski's face after the match expressed more than a thousand words.
37 wins in a row
Only the greatest figures of the sport had such a spectacular series of victories, all of whom later became global idols for years. We always say that the greatest feat is to achieve stable form over a long period of time, and Iga, by winning so many matches in a row, fits that definition.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
I chose this quote because it shows Iga's great awareness of topics that are not directly related to sports, and this in turn shows that despite having achieved great success she is not detached from reality.
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka always confronts Iga with double the motivation, with a huge desire to prove she is the better player. This determination and willpower resulted in defeating Swiatek in Fort Worth. It is to be expected that she will double down on her attitude in the forthcoming matches as well.
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
Iga's dominance this season was clear, both Grand Slam finals, as well as the final in Rome, were one-sided, leaving no room for doubt. Only in Ostrava was there any suspense. Amazing atmosphere carried throughout the whole match. Therefore, I would say that the best match in terms of drama was the final against Barbora Krejcikova in Ostrava. On the other hand, Iga performed the best in the US Open final against Ons Jabeur.
Winning Roland Garros and the US Open
All the listed achievements are important, but the biggest successes always are Grand Slam victories. These are making history, and the number of Grand Slam wins determines the rank and the greatness of the player. The fact that she won three titles by the age of 21 allows us to assume that Iga will join the ranks of tennis legends. Her career could reach the level of Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, or Martina Navratilova.
"When I started crying during that last game, it wasn't very professional of me, but I cried from happiness, because basically, all my dreams came true at that moment, regardless of whether I win or lose." - after the final in Ostrava.
Iga's conferences, statements, and interviews are always interesting. They often carry a second meaning, and contrary to banal interviews of most tennis players they are often surprising. I like the statement from Ostrava. It is beautiful, it touches the essence of the sport. It refers to the words of poet Rudyard Kipling engraved above the entrance to Wimbledon's center court: "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same."
Caroline Garcia
Iga doesn't have one great rival. There are no such duels anticipated by the tennis world. Unlike the matches of the past: Navratilova–Evert, Graf–Seles, or Venus vs Serena. Swiatek is simply too strong at the moment. Ashleigh Barty could be such an opponent, but the Australian retired from professional sport. If I had to choose the fiercest rival I would put my money on Caroline Garcia.
Against Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open semifinals
I think I would consider the win in the US Open semifinals against Sabalenka to be her best match – she won despite a 2:4 score in the third set.
37 wins in a row
Iga will win the Roland Garros and the US Open again, and will remain the WTA ranking leader for a long time, but such a winning streak might not happen for a second time.
"I was born to win trophies" - after winning the tournament in Miami.
You can see that this girl is focused on winning more tournaments. Tennis is her life.
Caroline Garcia
I chose Garcia because when she reached her best form after Roland Garros she was the biggest threat to Iga. She defeated Iga on her preferred surface, ie. clay, the match took place in Warsaw, at that.
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
You recognize a true champion by the ability to win even when not in the best shape. Iga Swiatek’s form in the second half of the season was much lower than before, as seen in the tournaments leading up to the US Open. Her New York's winning streak is all the more impressive for that. Ended with a match against a rival dubbed the revelation of the season, who lost spectacularly and indisputably.
37 wins in a row
This just might be an achievement that cannot be improved upon. The two main contributing factors probably won't happen again: her phenomenal disposition and the vacancy after the unexpected end of Ash Barty's career. It is a great loss for women's world tennis that the Pole and Australian did not compete against each other in their top shape – we would have had great duels and an interesting confrontation of different styles of play.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
Being a great star of Polish and world sports, Iga Swiatek has a "duty" to present the most positive image of herself. And to express opinions on important issues. Also acting as the voice of her generation. Since she is a highly intelligent, comprehensively educated, and empathetic person, such declarations sound very natural, truthful and carry a lot of weight coming from her.
Caroline Garcia
The Frenchwoman defeated Swiatek in a very prestigious tournament for Iga, held in her hometown. In the second half of the season Caroline Garcia showed that she has grown and matured mentally – while her technical skills had been at a very high level for a long time. She is and will be an extremely difficult rival for Swiatek also because she plays in an increasingly rare offensive style, with more frequent trips to the net than other players (in that regard she can serve as a motivation for Iga to improve her game).
Against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final
Iga Swiatek was not in top form in New York. Nevertheless, she was able to win the entire tournament, which makes her success all the greater. In the clash with Ons Jabeur she gave her best performance in the entire event. This was not easy – it was her first Grand Slam final in the US, all while the Tunisian smashed Caroline Garcia a few days earlier in the semifinals of the US Open. Wojciech Fibak himself told us after the final match: "I've never seen Ons Jabeur playing so well before, as in the US Open final against Iga Swiatek."
Winning Roland Garros
Winning a Grand Slam tournament is always a great achievement. This year in Paris, however, it was all the more difficult for Iga Swiatek, as even before the event she was regarded as a clear favorite. She was in the midst of a winning streak (ending with 37 wins). In the French capital, Iga's most dangerous rivals were getting dropped out every day. On the one hand, this made it easier, on the other, however, it put lots of pressure on Swiatek. She coped admirably with this challenge, losing only one set in seven matches. This is the Pole's second triumph at Roland Garros after her victory in 2020.
"I want to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong because the world is still there. Since my first speech in Doha [in February], basically I was hoping that when I was going to do the next one the situation is going to get better, but I'm still going to have hopes and try to support." - after winning Roland Garros.
Since Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Iga Swiatek has become an informal ambassador and spokesperson of the Ukrainian cause in the West. On the court, she appears with a Ukrainian ribbon on her cap and does not forget about it even at post-match press conferences. She was the first in the tennis world to speak out in such strong words on this matter. She spoke out about the war and kept bringing the military actions in Ukraine to the public’s attention. She organized a charity event in Kraków, at which she raised money for children from Ukraine. From conversations with Ukrainians, we know how grateful they are to our tennis player.
Caroline Garcia
The Frenchwoman is one of only nine tennis players who managed to beat Iga Swiatek this year. Garcia had an excellent second part of the season. Among other things, she won the WTA Finals in Fort Worth and was in the semifinals of the US Open. From July to December she won the most points of all the players in the WTA ranking – even more than Swiatek herself.