Eurosport tennis expert Barbara Schett believes it will be a different 2023 season on the WTA Tour as she thinks the “sole domination of Iga Swiatek might finish.” Last year, Swiatek set a new record for the most consecutive wins (37) on the WTA Tour in the 21 century and won nine titles – including two Grand Slam victories.
So far in 2023, Swiatek hasn’t been convincing and her Australian Open run ended with a surprise round-of-16 defeat to Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka is off to a great start to 2023 as she is 11-0 and coming off back-to-back victories at the Adelaide International and Australian Open.
“What can people expect from the women’s tour? It’s all open. Remember, Swiatek dominated the whole WTA Tour, but this year, I think it’s going to look very different. Of course, Iga will be in the mix, but there will also be Sabalenka, Rybakina, Pegula, it’s going to be very exciting and we’re going to see lots of different Grand Slam finals.
That sole domination of Swiatek might finish,” Schett told Eurosport.
Schett, Laura Robson think Swiatek has got the competition
Fellow Eurosport expert Robson agreed with Schett that it is set to be a very interesting season on the WTA Tour.
Also, Robson noted it will be “a different challenge” for Swiatek in 2023 knowing how many points she has to defend. “I think the fans have it good on the women’s side. When you look at the contrast and the play styles with Iga, Sabalenka, Jabeur, the list goes on.
Even someone like Pegula, where I thought that this might be her chance. She is right up there as well with the top players, and I love that they’re all pushing each other along. Everyone thinks that they have a really good chance.
It’s going to be a different challenge for Swiatek to defend all those points that she made in 2022. I’m looking forward to seeing how it pans out,” Robson said.
