Iga Swiatek responds to praise from Novak Djokovic regarding her mentality: "There was a time when I simply couldn't play like that"

Back in August, at the US Open, Novak Djokovic lavished praise on Iga Swiatek. The Serb said Swiatek is a 'warrior' who possesses a 'fighting spirit,' and that he admired the professionalism with which she approached her matches.

During a recent interview with Polish outlet Super Express (posted on their website on Thursday), the WTA World No. 1 was reminded by a reporter what Djokovic had said about her game in August. Swiatek was then asked whether her fighting and warrior spirit was innate or if she had to learn it over time.

The Pole responded that she always tries to give it her all when doing anything, but that there was a time when she couldn't play with the same focus and intensity.

“I remember I always didn't feel like wasting time on the court, and when I was doing something, I always felt I had to do it one hundred percent. There was a time when I simply couldn't play like that, with the same focus and intensity. It was only in 2022 when I reached such a level that everything came together and started to work," Iga Swiaitek said.

The 22-year-old also commended her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, whom she has been working with since 2019, for helping her focus and become the best on tour.

"These are also the results of my work with psychologist Daria Abramowicz. because when it comes to focus, I have never been the best at this element before. And now I'm the best on the tour and many players can learn from us. That's why I'm proud of myself and the team," she added.

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Iga Swiatek on which season she considers to be her best

2023 WTA Finals - Final Day

During the interview with Super Express, Iga Swiatek was asked which season she was more proud of between 2023 and 2022. In response, the Pole said that 2022 was quite a smooth ride; she reminisced about her 37-match winning streak, her victory at Roland Garros, and how easily she met her targets.

"It's hard to compare. In 2022 everything was going very smoothly, this 37-match winning streak started and I honestly don't know how it all happened. I won Roland Garros, we knew what we were aiming for and we achieved it without any serious problems," Iga Swiatek said.

Swiatek then pointed out she had injuries that hampered her in 2023, but added that it could have been worse had she not handled them well. Her rivalry with WTA No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka was also a talking point this season, with Swiatek leading their head-to-head 6-3.

"This year was different because I had two injuries that were serious and could have kept me out for a longer time if we had handled them poorly and managed everything worse. There were a lot of ups and downs when it comes to my form, and the rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka became very intense," she said.